Day 3: New Zealand wrestled the initiative from Australia after taking late wickets on day three of the first Test in Perth. Marnus Labuschagne and Joe Burns scored half-centuries as Australia built a healthy lead of 417 runs by end of play on Saturday. Australia were batting on 167 for six with Matthew Wade and Pat Cummins on the crease. Kiwi pacers Neil Wagner and Tim Southee took three wickets each on the day for the visitors. It will be an extremely difficult run chase for the Kiwis as the record for the highest successful run chase in test history is 418.