Australia cruising towards series win in Brendon McCullum's farewell Test

Australia are heading towards victory as they have taken complete control of the second Test against New Zealand by ending the fourth day of cricket in a dominant position at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Although New Zealand showed stubborn resistance for much of the opening two sessions on day four, but the tourists staged strong fight back to boost their chances of securing a 2-0 series win.

At stumps, Australia were 70 for one and need a further 131 runs for a win,news.com.au reported.

Opener Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja were remained unbeaten at the crease on 27 and 19 respectively.

Opener David Warner (22) along with Burns also provided the visitors with a nerve-settling opening stand of 49 before the former was dismissed by Neil Wagner.

Earlier, New Zealand began their day at 121-4, with Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson at the crease. The hosts were later bundled out for 335 in their second innings.

Williams fell just three runs short of the century as he contributed significant 97, while Anderson made significant 40. The duo became the victim of Jackson Bird, who bagged five wickets overall in second innings.

Besides Bird, James Pattinson also displayed brilliant performance as he scalped four New Zealand's wickets.

Australia are currently 1-0 up in the two-match Test series following an innings and 52-run win in the opening match in Wellington.