Cricket: Maiden century for makeshift Horne

A maiden Test century by the makeshift opener, Matthew Horne, set up a bold declaration as New Zealand breathed life into the rain-plagued third Test with Australia in Hobart. At the close on the fourth day, Australia were 14 for no wicket in their second innings with an overall lead of 163 runs.

New Zealand's captain, Stephen Fleming, declared his team's first innings at 251 for 6 in reply to Australia's 400. Mark Taylor, on five, and Mark Waugh (nine) survived the 20 minutes at the crease until the close.

The day was dominated by Horne, whose 133 included nine fours and two sixes. He fell shortly before the declaration, lifting Paul Reiffel to Matthew Elliott at mid-on.

Horne, in partnership with Brian Young (31) and then Adam Parore (44), snuffed out any hope Australia had of quickly dismissing New Zealand and enforcing the follow-on. It was not until the introduction of the occasional bowler Steve Waugh just before tea that New Zealand wickets started to fall - he finished with 3 for 20.