Adam Gilchrist mixed record-breaking with window-smashing as he belted Australia within sight of victory in the rain-shortened second Test against NZ.

Gilchrist - who turned up at the Basin Reserve only minutes before play started late, then early, on day three - was at his destructive best by blazing 162 in just 146 balls in a record stand with Damien Martyn (165 off 287).

The breath-taking sixth-wicket partnership of 256 allowed Australia to declare before tea at 8-570 then put a foot on NZ's throat with four top-order wickets.

The Black Caps, at 4-122, still need another 299 runs to avoid a follow-on Australia appears likely to enforce.

Gilchrist's 15th Test century, and second highest score ever, took him past Ian Healy (4356 at 27.40) as Australia's most prolific run-scoring wicketkeeper.

Underlining the West Australian gloveman's value is the fact his career haul of 4392 runs has come off 52 fewer Tests and at double Healy's average.

"I looked at Ian Healy's batting record as being a major part of his game," he said.

"He is the best wicketkeeper I've seen and I thought it was complemented by his fantastic contribution with the bat so to pass that is a big thrill.

Gilchrist punished the home side severely for a dropped catch by Hamish Marshall behind point in the first 15 minutes when he was 64.

Only half an hour before he was racing to get to the ground after an unexpectedly quick lifting of fog and rain had the match start 90 minutes before the planned resumption of after 1pm.

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