Second Test, Hamilton (day two): Australia 231 & 35-0 New Zealand 264
Match scorecard

Taylor took just 81 balls to reach his century in Hamilton

Ross Taylor hit the fastest ever Test century by a New Zealander but his team missed the chance to open up a lead over Australia in the second Test.

New Zealand began the second day looking dominant, having bowled the tourists out for just 231 in Hamilton.

Taylor hit 138, reaching three figures in just 81 balls, but only opener BJ Watling (46) offered any support.

Mitchell Johnson took four wickets as the Kiwis posted 264 before Australia reached 35-0 in their second innings.

New Zealand, looking to square the two-match series, started the day on 19 for one after a magnificent opening day with the ball when skipper Daniel Vettori - in his 100th Test - and Tim Southee each picked up four wickets.

Matthew Sinclair (11) looked comfortable until Johnson found an inside edge which smashed into his off stump.

Taylor then entered the game and had an immediate impact, notching a half-century before Australia claimed their second scalp of the day.

Doug Bollinger ended what was shaping to be a big partnership when he bowled Watling, leaving New Zealand looking a little more vulnerable on 114 for three.

Martin Guptill (four) and Vettori (15) then gave up soft wickets around lunch, placing pressure on Taylor and Brendon McCullum to at least reach the Australian total.

Shane Watson dropped Taylor on 90 in the slips as he homed in on his century, but Johnson made another huge breakthrough for Australia when he claimed McCullum's wicket for five, leaving New Zealand still 38 runs behind with only the tail to come.

Taylor's onslaught continued, however, and he belted spinner Nathan Hauritz for 25 runs from one over.

After Jeetan Patel was caught by Ricky Ponting for seven, Taylor's luck finally ran out when he was given out after a referral on 138, his highest score against Australia.

Taylor's fifth Test ton eclipsed Vettori's record of 82 balls, set against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2005-06, and the 26-year-old admitted to feeling uncomfortable at stealing the limelight from his centurion captain.

"I had no idea [about setting the record], I had just heard what the ground announcer said. It was a bit embarrassing taking that off Dan in his 100th Test match," Taylor said.

"I was just relieved to get there. Getting out in the 90s the last couple of times was disappointing. It wasn't the best 100 I've scored but it was really good to get there.

"It's probably something I'll reflect on after the match, but at the moment I've got mixed emotions.

"I'm happy to have made the hundred but would liked to have scored a few more and got a bigger lead."

Southee hit 22 to pad New Zealand's lead a little with Chris Martin, the last man to fall, bowled by Ryan Harris for a duck.

Johnson claimed four for 59, while Bollinger and Harris took three wickets apiece.

Australia progressed steadily after tea and Watson had reached 28 by the time bad light forced the players off the field.

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