Katich ton puts Aussies on top

---

Simon Katich's unbeaten century put Australia on course for a probable victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Katich hit an unbeaten 131, his sixth Test century, to see his side to a second innings total of 268, BBC reports
It left the Kiwis a target of 327 but Brett Lee claimed his 300th Test wicket as they slumped to 49-4.
Only Ross Taylor was able to combat the home side's attack and his 67 not out saw New Zealand to 143-6 at the close.
The loss of both Daniel Flynn and Grant Elliott in the final five overs of play were crucial blows for New Zealand.
Flynn was bowled by Mitchell Johnson for 29 after helping Taylor add 84 for the fifth wicket and Elliott went to Stuart Clark for nought, giving Clark figures of 3-23.
The tourists ended play 184 away from their target and their hopes of an unlikely win almost entirely dependent on Taylor and skipper Daniel Vettori.
The day began with Australia only 189 ahead on 131-6, but the tail provided Katich with the support he required to tip the balance in their favour.
The left-hander's century arrived off 179 balls but he had two slices of luck on 70 and 86, with Iain O'Brien failing to hold a return catch and Jesse Ryder dropping a chance at short leg off Vettori's left-arm spin.
Vettori was rewarded for an excellent spell when he bowled Brad Haddin (19) and Brett Lee (seven).
But Johnson outscored Katich in a stand of 53, contributing 31 to Australia's cause before he was caught by Vettori off Elliott's medium-pace.
Katich ran out of partners when Tim Southee accounted for last man Clark, who hit four boundaries in his 18 off 12 balls, but had the satisfaction of becoming only the 10th Australian to carry his bat through a Test innings - and the first to do so for 10 years.
"When we started losing wickets yesterday (Friday), I had to knuckle down and try to get a big score. Thankfully I was able to do that," said Katich.
First Test, The Gabba: Australia 214 and 268 v New Zealand 156 and 143-6 (day three, close)