PERTH, Australia (Reuters)
Adam Parore believes New Zealand will still face a strong challenge from Australia despite the Kiwis piling up 534 for 9 on the second day of the third and deciding Test.

Parore (110) and Nathan Astle (156 not out) shared a partnership of 253, the second-highest eighth-wicket stand in Test history, before Australia replied with 75 for 2 in their 15 overs before the close. The first two matches of the three-test series were drawn.

Wicketkeeper Parore described his second Test century as the highlight of his career but says world champions Australia still have a fighting chance of victory.

"It would be a mistake to think only one team could win it from here," Parore said. "There's still 300-odd overs of cricket left and they're a pretty good side. They won't just roll over and die.

"We're going to have to play pretty well to force a win. I think we're in a pretty good spot actually. We've got a score on the board, we can put them under pressure, and we'll see where we get to."

Astle, 30, who scored his seventh century in 49 Tests, said he enjoyed the verbal attacks from the Australian fielders as catches and half-chances did not go to hand.

Mark Waugh failed to grasp a low chance at slip off the bowling of Shane Warne when Parore was on 70; a skied chance to gully offered by Astle on 138 did not quite reach a diving Brett Lee; and Damien Martyn could only get one finger on a caught-and-bowled chance which went to the long-off boundary when Parore was 92.

"It's good to see them frustrated," Astle said. "You play and miss early on, that's part of the game and they give you a gobful.

"We had to get some runs on the board. To get through to tea with both of us was a big bonus."

Parore said it was "pretty cool" to have been part of the second-highest eighth-wicket stand in Test-cricket history.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming (105) and debutant opener Lou Vincent (104) made centuries on Friday. It was the first time the Kiwis had produced four centurymakers in a Test innings and the ninth time it had happened in Test history.

Brett Lee (4 for 125) eventually broke the 253-run partnership in the 163rd over of the innings and the third with the new ball when Parore was caught by Glenn McGrath at fine leg at 534 for 8.

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