CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, 13 March 2005 — The first cricket Test between New Zealand and Australia was delicately poised at the end of the third day here yesterday after a 212-run partnership by centurions Simon Katich and Adam Gilchrist hauled Australia into contention.

The Australian innings finished just before stumps on 432, just one run behind New Zealand, while Stephen Fleming and Craig Cumming extending the lead to 10 runs in the brief six overs they had at the crease before the close.

In a day of swinging fortunes, New Zealand took the honors in the first and third sessions but when it looked like Australia were in danger of not making the follow-on target, it was the dominance of Katich and Gilchrist in the middle section that revived the tourists’ chances.

They came together with the score at six for 201, when Australia had lost three wickets for 54 runs in the morning, and their partnership ended with the score at 413 and in sight of New Zealand’s total.

New Zealand captain Fleming took the new ball in the 89th over but there was little bother for the batsmen as they added 133 off 30 overs in the post-lunch session as the bowlers toiled on a flat, low pitch.

Katich reached 118 before holing out to Lou Vincent off the bowling of Nathan Astle in an innings that included 17 fours and a six, while Gilchrist, who was particularly ruthless on Daniel Vettori had 12 fours and six sixes in his 121.

Earlier, New Zealand’s nagging off-stump bowling attack paid handsome dividends in the first session.

Australia had added just six runs to their overnight total of 141 for three when Chris Martin bowled a big inswinger to Ricky Ponting and then moved the next one away which the Australian captain edged to wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and he was out for 46.

Three overs and 13 runs later, Michael Clarke was gone when James Franklin angled one across him and he edged to McCullum for eight.

Night watchman Jason Gillespie stood firm for 108 minutes for 12 before Vettori got a thick inside edge and the catch was held by Craig Cumming at short leg.

Vettori was the pick of the bowlers with five for 106, including having the last laugh on Gilchrist and picking up the wickets of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath cheaply, as the pitch showed signs of growing turn which would play into the hands of Warne in New Zealand’s second innings.

New Zealand will resume today with Fleming on six and Craig Cumming on three.