Day 3 at Brisbane: Slipping Through the Fingers

Three dropped chances, all of which proved costly. For a side that prides itself on its fielding, that would've been hard to swallow in the dressing room.

NZ's sloppy out-cricket meant Australia were able to stretch their lead to 132, when it should have been a more manageable 50-70. But really, it all goes back to the first innings of the game; 295 is an under-par score, especially when you have won the toss and decided to bat. The bowlers could have perhaps done a bit more, but once again didn't have the insurance of a big score. McCullum went early in an awkward period of play, but it was the previous innings which he should be kicking himself about. The remaining batsmen will now have to play out of their skins even to set Australia something like 150.

The one positive from the day was the improvement in Doug Bracewell's effort, and he gave Michael Clarke a hard time when he finally figured the right length to bowl. All the dropped catches were off his bowling, so he deserved credit for continuing to run in with purpose in spite of his rotten luck.

Clarke was effectively out four times in making 151, and in between the letoffs he looked in supreme touch. The quality of his strokemaking was something else. His innings was a bit like Australia at the moment really - flawed but dangerous. It's hard to decide whether they are a good side playing rather badly, or a not-so-good side who are simply dealing well with inferior opponents.