Black Caps’ Ross Taylor became highest run-scorer in the longest form of the game on Monday.

Ross Taylor hit three runs through mid-on after tea on the third test against Australia.

The 35-year-old overhauled the tally of 7,172 Stephen Fleming managed in 111 matches between 1994 and 2008.

Any joy, the former New Zealand captain felt at passing the milestone was short-lived.

He was bowled for 22 by paceman Pat Cummins five balls later.

Earlier in a day, New Zealand headed for another defeat as they reeled at 27-4 with Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon among the wickets in the third Test here on Monday.

Australia declared their second innings at 217 for two with David Warner scoring an unbeaten century against New Zealand.

Australian team lefy the Blackcaps with a revised 416-run target in the fourth innings on a wearing Sydney Cricket Ground pitch.

The Black Caps’ task became more monumental with Starc removing both openers, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell.

New Zealand went to tea at 27 for four with Ross Taylor on 12 and BJ Watling yet to score.

Blundell fell to a stunning catch by a diving Lyon at point for two.

Stand-in skipper Latham lost a review for leg before wicket on umpire’s call for one in a shattering blow to New Zealand’s hopes.