Marnus Labuschagne has powered Australia to a 94-run first-inning lead over New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

But the under-pressure No.3 was denied a fighting ton by Glen Phillips, who took a screamer at gully to remove him for 90.

The 29-year-old, playing in his 50th Test, turned his fortunes around following a run of outs, with six innings of 10 runs or fewer.

He was dismissed on lunch by Tim Southee (1-68), with Australia at 8-211 in response to the Black Caps’ first innings total of 162.

The visitors’ tailenders pushed the total to 256 all out, including 28 for Mitchell Starc - the second-highest score behind Labuschagne - with Matt Henry the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis with 7-67.

Prior to his remarkable catch, Phillips also dismissed Alex Carey for 14, while Ben Sears (1-71) was the other wicket-taker for New Zealand.