BRISBANE. Nov 10: Australian ca-Kain Mark Tay-r set New Zealand a victory target of 319 after the home side's batsmen tolled for runs on the fourth day of the first Test today, reports Reuters.

Accurate bowling by New Zealand's inexperienced but disciplined attack delayed

Taylor s declaration — at 294 for six — until 20 minutes before close of play at the Gabba.

New Zealand openers Bryan Young and Blair Pocock survived a nervous three overs against the new ball to guide the tourists to four for no wicket at the close.

They need another 315 runs from a minimum 90 overs on the final day on Tuesday to pull off a memorable victory and take a surprise 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

But history still favours Australia. New Zealand have only once scored as many runs to win a Test when they hit 324 for five to beat Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994.

Local history is also very much against a New Zealand victory. No team has scored over 236 ri is in the fourth innings to w a Test here. It was achieved y Australia in the 1951-52 series against the West Indies to win by three wickets.

New Zealand saved them-

selves from an even more daunting task by restricting Australia's scoring rate to little more than two runs an over during the first two sessions of the day.

It was left to Australia's number three Greg Blewett to anchor the innings with a pa tient 91. his eighth Test half-century.

Blewett, who spent 262 minutes at the crease and hit 12 fours, said New Zealand faced an enormous task, particularly as the conditions would increasingly favour leg spinner Shane Warne.

"We tried to score at three runs an over and we could not quite manage it — and I can't imagine that it is going to get any easier on the final day," Blewett told reporters.

"I believe Snane could be a handful and if they come out and get the runs. New Zealand will thoroughly deserve the victory.”

Only late in their innings, when number six Ricky Ponting and pace bowler Paul Reiffel launched an assault, did the Australian batsmen gain the upper hand on a placid wicket. Ponting remained unbeaten on 73 off 84 balls after smashing two sixes and seven fours against a tiring attack.

The Tasmanian was visibly frustrated at being denied the opportunity to record only his second Test century because of the timing of Taylor's declaration.

Australia scored 373 in their first innings before dismissing the tourists for 349 on Sunday.

All-rounder and medium pacer Chris Cairns claimed three wickets in the Australian second innings to complete a seven-wicket haul for the match, in addition to his 64 runs in the first innings. ‘

Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, playing only his seventh Test, bowled economically and unchanged for first three hours of play, finishing with figures of two for 87 from 36 overs.

Bowling accurately into the rough from the bowlers footmarks. he removed openers Matthew Elliott and Mark Waugh cheaply in a fine display of sustained spin bowling.

Mark Waugh's departure for 17 completeaa double failure for the stylish number four, prolonging a run of low scores.