Second Test, Hamilton (day four, close):
Australia 231 & 511-8 dec v New Zealand 264 & 185-5
Match scorecard

Mitchell Johnson regularly hit speeds of 93mph in Hamilton

Australia look set for a 2-0 series victory following a productive day four of the second Test against New Zealand.

After setting an unlikely victory target of 479, Australia reduced the hosts to 185-5, with Mitchell Johnson (3-39) in impressive form in Hamilton.

New Zealand's dwindling hopes rest upon Martin Guptill (29 not out) and Brendon McCullum (19 not out).

Earlier, Marcus North (90), Michael Clarke (63) and Brad Haddin (48) pushed Australia to 511-8 declared.

Vice-captain Clarke had added his 18th Test half century before he was trapped lbw via the referral system to Brett Arnel in the morning session.

North continued his aggressive intent, confidently stroking his way towards his fifth century as Australia extended their lead to over 400.

The Victorian had been fighting for his place on tour following inconsistent performances against West Indies and Pakistan.

But the left-hander fell 10 runs short of three figures when he was brilliantly caught behind by wicketkeeper McCullum attempting to paddle sweep Daniel Vettori down the leg-side.

The left-arm spinner, playing in his 100th Test match, removed Johnson with his very next delivery, but Australia broke the 500-mark courtesy of an enterprising knock of 41 from Nathan Hauritz, including five boundaries and two sixes.

With New Zealand requiring a world record fourth-innings victory target, Australia captain Ricky Ponting declared the innings at lunch, giving his bowlers five full sessions to dismiss the hosts.

606: DEBATE Can New Zealand pull off an unlikely draw in Hamilton?

The Black Caps made a solid start and had looked untroubled until opener BJ Watling was cleaned bowled by a superb Johnson delivery for 19 in the 14th over.

And partner Tim McIntosh departed four overs later, edging an attempted drive to wicketkeeper Haddin to leave New Zealand at 53-2.

Mathew Sinclair and Ross Taylor, who struck a sensational century in the first innings, steadied the innings, taking the total past 100 at tea as Ponting combined seam and spin on a wearing Seddon Park pitch.

And he was rewarded with three wickets in the final session as New Zealand's hopes of salvaging a draw evaporated.

The consistent Johnson was rewarded with the prized wicket of Taylor, presenting Haddin with his second catch of the innings, while spinners Clarke and Hauritz accounted for Sinclair (29) and Vettori (22).

Although Guptill and McCullum successfully guided the hosts the end of the day without the loss of further wickets, Australia remain confident of wrapping up the victory early on the final day to end their summer season with yet another Test victory.

Australia batsman Marcus North on recapturing his form in New Zealand:
"I was going through a tough time over the last couple of months. It's part of professional sport, but it's not easy.

"I had to put the hard work in - and I couldn't have asked for anything better. I was thankful the selectors showed some faith, so to reward them with consistency over the two Tests confirms I can still play well at this level.

"We have to make sure we come out switched on day five. They have shown throughout this series that they have character and they will give us a fight.

"But if we bowl as well as we have been over the last couple of weeks, we will certainly create those five wickets.

New Zealand batsman Mathew Sinclair:
"We have to stay strong, build partnerships and really dent their attack. But we have to be positive - we have two very positive batsmen in at the moment.

"Not many teams are going to get a target like that on a fourth or fifth day, so our goal is to get a draw out of the match."

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