Australia target New Zealand 'superstar' Ravindra in first Test

WELLINGTON - Australian spinner Nathan Lyon described unbeaten New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra as a budding "superstar" on Saturday but says the tourists are still well placed to win the first Test in Wellington.

Ravindra struck an eye-catching 56 not out as the home side reached 111-3 at stumps on day three, having stumbled early in their pursuit of a lofty 369 to win the opening match of the two-Test series.

Daryl Mitchell was on 12, with the pair having put on 52 in 20.3 overs together to give New Zealand a glimmer of hope in difficult batting conditions.

Lyon took 2-27 -- aided by some brilliant catching from Steve Smith -- to give him six wickets for the match.

Lyon shapes as a key figure in preventing New Zealand from scoring the remaining 258 runs they need on a Basin Reserve pitch taking turn and bounce.

New Zealand part-time spinner Glenn Phillips earlier capitalised on the conditions, snaring career-best figures of 5-45 as Australia were bundled out for 164 in their second innings.

Ravindra, who scored 240 in the first Test against South Africa last month, defied Australia late in the day with a series of aggressive strokes in his 94-ball knock.

Lyon said it will be crucial to quickly remove the 24-year-old, who scored three centuries at last year's 50-over World Cup.

"Rachin seems like a really good player," Lyon said.

"This is the first time I've bowled to him -- I watched a lot of him during the World Cup and he's going to be a superstar. Credit where it's due, he's played very well here.

"But I know if we can put pressure on them and challenge their defence for long periods of time, hopefully we can crack them."