That wicket put a spring in New Zealand steps, and both Burns and Smith had to endure plenty of testing deliveries in the next hour.
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Australian skipper Steven Smith hugs Joe Burns after reaching his century against New Zealand during the second day of the 2nd Test at Christchurch on Sunday.
New Zealand had entered the day knowing they needed to take advantage of a still newish ball and any remaining moisture in the pitch with quick wickets, and the early loss of Usman Khawaja gave them hope.
Until Smith’s dismissal, the only moment of concern in his classy innings came when he was felled by a fearsome Wagner bouncer in the last over before tea.
After an opening day that had retiring New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum thrill the home crowd by scoring the fastest century in Test history, day two in Christchurch belonged nearly exclusively to Australia.
Burns’ 170 represented the highest score by an Australian opener in NZ, while the 14th ton of Smith’s 41-Test career was one of great courage given he was struck on the helmet.
At lunch Australia were 151/2 with Burns on 78 and Smith 37 in an unbroken 84-run partnership.
Both will be unhappy they were unable to bat out the day. Fielding at slip, he dived low to his right to clutch a fine one-handed catch off Williamson to dismiss Lyon.
Such a result will take the team to top spot on the International Cricket Council’s rankings.
Adam Voges was on two with nightwatchman Nathan Lyon on four as the visitors ended the day 363 for four, having all but mowed down New Zealand’s first innings 370.
Brendon McCullum’s world record had been that of the breathtaking daredevil, but the 289-run partnership between Smith and Joe Burns that stretched across the vast majority of play was something far sturdier, less explosion than construction.
Playing his 10th Test, Burns successfully overturned a caught-behind decision off Matt Henry on 35, when replays showed the ball brushed arm rather than glove.
The Queenslander was in two minds about whether to play the short delivery.
It was a sign of desperation more than anything else; replays confirming the ball was missing off stump.
Part-time offspinner Kane Williamson delivered five overs as McCullum tried everything to conjure a wicket.
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Wagner said it was a day of challenges on a flat pitch.
