Adam Gilchrist further inscribed his name into the record books and Simon Katich cemented his Test place in a rearguard double-century stand.

The left-handed Australians both belted centuries in a 212-run partnership that has the first Test against New Zealand's on a knife edge entering the final two days at Jade Stadium.

With wearing footmarks prime targets for world-class spinner Daniel Vettori, the match could go down to the wire if the Black Caps fashion a solid second innings total.

They finished at 0-9 at stumps, holding a 10-run overall lead after bowling out the world champions for 432 in their first innings.

Gilchrist blazed 12 boundaries and six sixes in a devastating 121 (126 balls) batting at No.8 to equal the Australia record for centuries in most different batting positions.

The keeper-batsman has scored 100s in five positions (No's 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) as did Greg Chappell and Don Bradman, who both scored tons batting anywhere from No.3 to No.7.

Gilchrist's former West Australian teammate Katich was just as influential in rescuing the tourists with a gutsy second Test ton (118 off 229) to seal Darren Lehmann's old middle-order spot through to the Ashes.

The pair came together with the scoreboard 6-201, 232 behind on the first innings (433).

But only three hours later the lead was whittled away to 20 when Gilchrist fell only a metre short of a seventh six on the small Christchurch ground, holing out off Vettori (5-106 off 40.2 overs).

It was second frustrating time this season NZ has felt the sting of Gilchrist's blade after having Australia on the ropes.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP