New Zealand finally discovered life beyond a seam-dominated bowling attack yesterday, courtesy of off-spinner Paul Wiseman.
Unwanted for the first two tests after New Zealand opted for a greenhorn pace-bowler instead, Wiseman produced one of his best spells at home yesterday afternoon, combining with Nathan Astle to restrict Australia's first
innings march.
Often seen as the last option by New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, Wiseman bowled beautifully through the last session, being rewarded with his 400th first-class wicket - Damien Martyn.
Martyn was deceived in the 58th over, bowled by a sharply turning off-spinner as he shaped for his favoured back-cut, a blow that robbed the Australian innings of initiative and caused the momentum to swing.
Together with Astle, Wiseman applied pressure to the out-of-sorts Michael Clarke, and ensured that Australia still had plenty of work to do with the bat this morning if they were to feel comfortable.
The Canterbury and former Auckland off-spinner said he enjoyed scrapping against the best batsmen in the world, just as he enjoyed the battle in Adelaide before Christmas, where he emerged from a tough assignment with merit.
"I felt that I was in the fight at Adelaide, and feel that I am here as well," he said.
"They're a fantastic batting unit and if you can get some wickets against them, you feel like you have earned them."
Wiseman said the pitch was providing some slow turn, and some extra assistance out of the footmarks. He hoped it would deteriorate a lot more so New Zealand could carry an edge into the final day.
While he was pleased with his effort in tandem with Astle, he said the Australians were given too much to hit in yesterday's opening session.
"We bowled too many four balls and helped Rick [Ponting] out.
"He's in pretty good form at the moment and it was just a fantastic knock from him."
