Brad Haddin’s maiden one-day international century underpinned Australia’s imposing total of 301 for nine in Sydney.

Haddin hit eight fours and three sixes from 114 balls to give the hosts every chance of keeping the five-match series alive.

A 62-run sixth-wicket partnership between Callum Ferguson and Michael Hussey - whose 51 came from only 32 balls - also helped Australia top 300.

Australia began cautiously after being put in on a hot and cloudless day.

The reached just 34 off the first 10 overs but took 63 off the next 10 as Haddin and Michael Clarke began to attack the spinners.

Haddin, promoted to open, was eventually to fall in the 38th over - run out by his fellow wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum after attempting to pinch a single.

The visitors must nonetheless score at more than six an over if they are to defeat Australia for the third time in a week and wrap up the series.

Australia were 142 for one after 25 overs on the back of a 135-run stand between Haddin and Clarke - who made 64 before slapping a drive to extra-cover, where Martin Guptill held a smart catch.

Captain Ricky Ponting, who cut short a break to return to the team in its moment of need, could make only 16 before mistiming a catch to Kyle Mills at deep square-leg off Grant Elliott.

After David Hussey and Cameron White had gone cheaply to Iain O’Brien (three for 68), Ferguson and Hussey got their team back on track.

There was drama late in the innings when Ferguson and Mitchell Johnson were both warned by umpire Steve Bucknor for running on the pitch.

Bucknor deducted two runs from Johnson when he failed to get off the pitch as he ran a quick two in the last over.

The Black Caps have injury concerns over McCullum, who received a pain-killing injection after being struck on the right shoulder from a Mills delivery that reared alarmingly off a good length.

McCullum will undergo scans in Adelaide on Monday.