Latest updates: Rain interrupts Aussies strong start

David Warner of Australia bats during day three. Photo / Getty Images

Australia 72/0

David Warner 47
Phillip Hughes 20

Overs - 19 (Tea)

FI: Black Caps 150 all out
SI: Black Caps 226 all out
FI: Australia 136 all out

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MATCH STATUS

Australia moved into a commanding position chasing 241 to win the second cricket test against New Zealand, with under-fire openers David Warner and Phillip Hughes sharing an unbroken 72-run stand Sunday before rain forced an early close to the third day.

New Zealand was dismissed for 226 moments before lunch an overall lead of 240 leaving Australia eight sessions to score the runs required to clinch a 2-0 series win.

Warner struck eight boundaries and faced 50 balls for his unbeaten 47, while Hughes overcame some early nerves to remain not out 20 at the tea interval. The entire evening session was washed out due to rain.

Australia, which has never lost a test at Bellerive, needs another 169 runs to win.

Teams:
Australia: Michael Clarke (c), Phil Hughes, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon.

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (c), Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Jesse Ryder, Dean Brownlie, Reece Young, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Chris Martin.

- Herald online / AP