Cricket: Huge lead for Australia at lunch

A bloodied Matthew Hayden posted his 18th test half-century as Australia's lead over New Zealand meandered to 459 early on the fourth day of the second cricket test at the Adelaide Oval here today.

An unusually sedate Hayden, who was not wearing a helmet, copped a nasty blow on the chin after he top edged an attempted sweep off Daniel Vettori when on 47.

Play was held up for five minutes while the opener was treated by team physio Errol Alcott, and stitches were inserted when he returned to the pavilion seven runs later after he was smartly taken by Brendon McCullum down the leg side off Vettori.

Hayden took an uncharacteristically slow 119 balls to reach his the milestone and never got into his stride against some tight bowling by Vettori and spin twin Paul Wiseman.

Australia resumed at 57 without loss -- an overall lead of 381 -- and by lunch has extended their advantage towards 500 after a steady, if unspectacular, morning session.

Captain Ricky Ponting was on 24 at the break and Damien Martyn had made four as Australia's second innings progressed to 135 for two.

First innings double centurion Justin Langer was the first casualty when the score was 93 when he was adjudged leg before wicket to Wiseman for 46, giving the offspinner some belated reward after more convincing appeals had been turned down yesterday.

Clearly miffed when Steve Bucknor raised the finger, Langer could at least look back on yet another milestone.

By making 35 he became the 10th Australian to pass 6000 runs in test cricket.

Backed by defensive fields, Vettori and Wiseman contained the Australians admirably, bowling unchanged through the session.

Skies were overcast today giving some relief from the oppressive heat which has been a feature of the three previous days. Rain was forecast later today and tomorrow, giving New Zealand some remote hope of surviving.

- NZPA