New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has called on his side to produce "a couple of heroes" if defeat is to be avoided in the second and final Test against Australia.

New Zealand slumped to 251 all out in reply to Australia's first innings of 575 for eight declared before trailing by 381 runs after the third day at Adelaide Oval.

"It's another disappointing day on this tour," Fleming told a news conference after Australia had reached the close on 57 without loss in their second innings.

"The lengths they bowled today were outstanding but that is what we have come to expect.

"I guess they (Australia) will bat to somewhere around lunch on the fourth day.

"Shane (Warne) will always turn it so it is going to be tricky but certainly something can be achieved if there are a couple of heroes on our side."

Australia, Test cricket's top-ranked side, lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning in Brisbane by an innings and 156 runs.

New Zealand's cause was not helped on day three when batsman Scott Styris, suffering an ear infection, was unable to bat until the fall of the eighth wicket. He hit a quickfire 28.

ALL HANDS

"When you need all hands on deck, to have him coming in so low and being last man out is something we can ill afford," added Fleming.

"He is a little bit pale and his vision wasn't great.

"But the bottom line is we are just being outplayed. We are being thumped."

Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who took four for 66 to boost his career tally to 461 in 103 tests, triggered New Zealand's collapse by removing dangerman Fleming for 83.

Fleming's dismissal ended a 73-run partnership with Nathan Astle (52), and was the first of five New Zealand wickets to fall in the afternoon session.

"There's still two full days left in this Test," McGrath said.

"We get maybe two sessions off, freshen up and then front up at them tomorrow when we have 500-plus on the board."