Aussies in commanding position

Australia have a stranglehold on the opening Test of three against New Zealand at Perth Stadium.

The home side lead by 417-runs heading into the fourth day with four second innings wickets in hand.

It was a dramatic final session on the third day where Kiwis claimed 5-29 in the moving hour, the final hour of the day's play when the full artificial light takes effect when the sun goes down.

The highlight of the session a ripper of a delivery that Tim Southee bowled around the wicket to clip the top of off stump and see skipper Tim Paine sent back to the pavilion.

The Aussies will be battling to hold onto the willow through day four to get as close to the twilight period before sending New Zealand in for the fourth innings run chase.

Marnus Labuschagne added another feat to an impressive year on Saturday becoming the first player to score over 1000 Test runs in the calendar year.

Day four begins at 1PM WST

IMAGE: ABC