Australia have asked New Zealand to chase down a record target of 488 or survive five-and-a-half sessions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to stay in the hunt for the trans-Tasman Trophy.
The Aussies declared at 168/5 midway through the morning session on Sunday after Travis Head was bowled by Neil Wagner on 28.
Matthew Wade was not out 30.
After being flogged by 296 runs in Perth, New Zealand must at least draw the match in Melbourne to maintain their three-year unbeaten run in test series.
The Blackcaps have not lost a series of the seven they've played since early 2017.
However surviving in Melbourne appears an insurmountable task.
No team has ever successfully chased down more than 418 in 142 years of test cricket and New Zealand have not faced more than 66 overs in an innings this series.
They have also only amassed a combined 485 runs across their three knocks.
AAP
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