Australia snatched two early wickets to leave New Zealand facing an uphill battle to stay in the second Test on Friday as they chase the home team’s 467, built on the back of a gritty 114 from Travis Head.

At close on day two, the Black Caps were 44 for two with Tom Latham not out nine and Ross Taylor on two as a series defeat looms.

Australia skipper Tim Paine departed for 79 seven balls after tea, with Mitchell Starc gone soon after for one.

Paine blasted the Decision Review System (DRS) later, saying it left him “disappointed and angry” after he was dismissed controversially.

Paine played one of his best innings and was on track to score a maiden Test century when he was removed lbw by Neil Wagner for 79 after New Zealand reviewed the umpire’s original not out decision.

Paine’s disappointment was compounded by New Zealand’s Ross Taylor surviving a review late in the day after initially being given out lbw.

“It’s very nice to contribute. It’s pretty cool to score a Boxing Day 100, nice to get my opportunity,” said Head.