Kiwis blunt Aussie opening attack

New Zealand are 0-63 in response to Australia's 454 after day two of the third Test match at the SCG.

Tom Blundell (34) and stand-in skipper Tom Latham (26) blunted the Aussie attack for the final 29-overs of the day despite Sydney wicket playing tricks at times.

Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne recorded his maiden Test double century adding to his superb summer with the bat.

When the Queenslander was eventually dismissed for 215 he had batted for 515 minutes.

Australia will be looking for quick wickets on day three to expose the makeshift middle order lacking Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls.

IMAGE: Supplied.