Martin enjoys record day

Seam bowler Chris Martin produced a landmark performance as New Zealand bowled themselves back into contention in the second Test against Pakistan.

Martin picked up 4-91 to become the leading wicket taker in Tests at the Basin Reserve, the venerable Wellington venue which forms the largest traffic roundabout in the southern hemisphere.

His first wicket, that of Azhar Ali, saw him surpass Richard Hadlee's career tally of 53 victims on the ground.

But he was joined - and then briefly passed - by skipper Daniel Vettori, whose haul of 4-100 moved him to 55.

Martin, however, mopped up the tail to finish one ahead on 56.

"It's temporary, I think,"said the 36-year-old."I think Dan and I will exchange that while I'm around but he'll grab it at the end."

Both Martin and Vettori were denied five-fors when Tim Southee took the final wicket.

Pakistan, who had been 286-3 at one stage, were all out for 376 - a lead of just 20 on first innings.

And New Zealand openers Martin Guptill (1no) and Brendon McCullum (6no) survived to stumps on day three at 9-0, raising the home side's hopes of a series-levelling victory.

Greedy

"I got greedy, I wanted one more,"said Martin on his own personal battle with Vettori, who was also seeking to become just the second New Zealander to score a century and take five wickets in a Test after Bruce Taylor achieved the feat against India on debut in 1965.

"Anyone who is on four-for with the captain at the other end on four-for, we were both chasing five,"he added with a smile.

"I'm pleased Tim got that wicket because he has probably been the most consistent guy with that rock in this game.

"It was a steady day and that spell at the end made me feel better about the day.

"To be in the wickets at the right stage of the day made the legs feel a bit better."

Source