Sydney, January 5: Australia were once again in a commanding position of the third and final Test of the rubber against New Zealand after taking a healthy 243-run lead as the hosts ended the day 3 at 40 for no loss at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Sunday. After putting a decent 454-runs on board in their first essay, the hosts rode off-spinner Nathan Lyon's (5/68) fifer to bundle out the Kiwis for just 241 runs. Resuming the day at 63/0, the visitors were jolted at regular intervals, thanks to some quality bowling effort by Lyon and Pat Cummins (3/44). Australia Vs New Zealand, Cricket Score 3rd Test Match. 

It was only Glenn Phillips (52), who showed some fight in middle-order after skipper and opener Tom Latham contributed with 49 runs at the top. Though the Kiwis started off on a decent note, they went on to lose their last five wickets for just 56 runs and were eventually wrapped for 241 runs in 95.4 overs as the hosts took a 203-run lead. Later, Australia again kicked-off the proceedings nicely as openers David Warner and Joe Burns were batting on 23 and 16 runs respectively when stumps were drawn for the day. Marnus Labuschagne Scores Maiden Double Hundred, Achieves Milestone During AUS vs NZ 3rd Test at SCG.

Earlier, a magnificent 215-run knock by Marnus Labuschagne had powered Australia to 454 runs. Brief scores: Australia 454 all out and 40/0 (David Warner 23 batting, Joe Burns 16) lead by 243 runs against New Zealand (Glenn Phillips 52, Tom Latham 49; Nathan Lyon; 5/68)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2020 03:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).