Australia who finished the day at 274 for five, thus far, have a lead of 80 runs. Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh added another 79 runs for the fifth wicket to pile on misery on the hosts.

Mark Waugh fell 10 runs short of his century after a spectacular return catch by part-time left arm spinner Grant Flower. His 90 came off 153 balls with 13 sweetly timed boundaries. Steve Waugh, slow to settle and happy to play second fiddle to his brother, was 90 not out at the draw of stumps.

The second day had begun dreadfully for Australia with the loss of both openers in the first two overs. The setback left them on eight for two.Greg Blewett edged the third ball of the session from Heath Streak to first slip where Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell juggled three times before holding on.

In the next over, Michael Slater pushed forwardto a straight forward delivery only to see it brush the outside edge on its way to wicket-keeper Andy Flower.

Scoreboard

Zimbabwe (1st innings): 194

Australia (1st innings): M Slater c Flower b Strang 4, G Blewett c Campbell b Streak 1; J Langer run out 44; M Waugh c&b G Flower 90; S Waugh batting 90; R Ponting c Johnson b Streak 31; I Healy batting 4. Extras (lb3, w4, nb1) 8. Total: (for 5 wickets in 94 overs) 274

Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-8, 3-96, 4-174, 5-253

Bowling: Olonga 11-1-50-0 (2w), Streak 22-7-52-2 (2w), Strang 28-10-47-1 (1nb), Johnson 2-0-14-0, G Whittall 17-2-67-0, G Flower 11-3-21-1, Gripper 3-0-19-0.