Latham (29) and Martin Guptill (16 not out) had the better of the morning session on day four, playing only the good balls and leaving plenty, to frustrate the pacemen after Australia captain Steve Smith declared on the overnight total of 264-4, setting New Zealand 504 runs to win.Starc got the only breakthrough for the Australians after 100 minutes of play, hitting Latham on the front foot on the crease and in front of leg stump with the New Zealand total at 44.
Guptill had two reprieves, both off Mitchell Johnson. Joe Burns put down a sharp chance at short leg in the second over when Guptill fended forward, and Nathan Lyon got a hand to a ball going over his head square of the wicket when the New Zealander was on seven.
Johnson didn't concede a run in his first 5.5 overs before Guptill hit the last ball of his sixth over for three. He also beat the edge a couple of times, but as a group, the Australian quicks didn't bowl a tight enough line to force the New Zealand openers into playing shots.
Rain was expected to have an impact on play for the last two days, so the Australians will be desperate to get quick wickets to ensure a result after having the momentum for the whole match.
Australia declared in both innings, posting 556-4 in the first innings and 264-4 in the second.
Kane Williamson, who scored 140 in New Zealand's first innings of 317, joined Guptill at the crease at the fall of Latham's wicket.
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