Australia are firmly placed on the driver's seat in the second Test against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and will look to seal the match in the fourth day itself. At stumps on Day 3, the hosts were batting at 137/4 in the third in innings, extending their lead to 456 runs, and are looking all set to clinch the clash and the series too. Travis Head and Matthew Wade are the two batsmen to be present on the crease and will guide the host to a humongous lead. Meanwhile, if you are looking for the live scorecard and ball to ball update of the match, you can scroll down to get the direct link. Australia Vs New Zealand, Cricket Score 2nd Test Match

Earlier in the day, Dented by Pat Cummins five-fer, the Kiwis were bundled out for mere 144 runs in reply of Australia's first-innings total of 467 runs. Australia already have taken a mammoth lead in the third innings and the remaining part of the clash seems like a mere formality. Nevertheless, Cricket is a game of uncertainty and the hosts must not get complacent. Also, Travis Head will come out to bat on his 26th birthday and the southpaw will certainly want to make the day more special. Australia Vs New Zealand, Cricket Score 2nd Test, Latest Scorecard.  

Tim Paine and Company won the first of the three matches by 296 runs and a triumph here will seal the deal for them. So, all they need to do is to put the foot onto the paddle and avoid any uncertainties. On the other hand, the match is a do or die encounter for the Blackcaps and they must try to fight back

Playing XI:

Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, Travis Head, Tim Paine (c & wk), James Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2019 01:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).