New Zealand v Australia: second Test, day two – as it happened

Steve Smith laments the Alex Carey dropped catch that spared New Zealand’s Tom Latham late on day two. Photograph: Kai Schwörer/Getty Images

6.14am GMT

5.38am GMT

STUMPS - New Zealand 134-2

Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra survive until stumps and New Zealand can now look to build on a 40-run lead with eight wickets in hand when they return for day three.

The Black Caps did well to restrict Australia to 256 with only Marnus Labushagne (90) passing 28, even if it took an all-time classic catch from Glenn Phillips to dismiss the previously under-fire batter.

Mitchell Starc (28) and Pat Cummins (23) added valuable runs to ensure Australia held a 96-run lead after an innings each, while Matt Henry can bask in taking 7/67 as the Black Caps’ other pacers found the going tough.

Latham (65*) and Kane Williamson (51) erased New Zealand’s deficit still with nine wickets in hand, as the opener reached his highest score against Australia and left the match evenly poised.

Be sure to return tomorrow as we follow every over from Christchurch.

50th over: New Zealand 134-2 (Latham 65, Ravindra 11)

Updated at 5.44am GMT