Smith, Voges tons give Aust big lead

The second Test continues to deliver a plethora of runs, with New Zealand vowing they will try to chase down any target after four days of glorified batting practice.

Steve Smith and Adam Voges strolled to centuries at the WACA on Monday, when Australia were 2-258 and holding a 193-run lead at stumps.

It followed an incredible knock of 290 from NZ's Ross Taylor, the second-highest Test score by a batsman against Australia.

The combined total of both sides' first innings is 1183 runs - 190 more than what had been the highest figure in WACA Test history.

There was little in the docile pitch to suggest Smith would make an aggressive declaration - the risk being immense.

"I don't think we will do them any favours," Voges said.

"It's a very good batting wicket.

"That will be Steve's decision but the good thing is we have some options."

Taylor noted his side only had interest in one result.

"Whatever they give us, we'll definitely have a go," Taylor said.

"It's a pretty flat wicket ... I'm sure they'll come out tomorrow and try to score some quick runs and put us under pressure."

A crack caused the odd ball to misbehave on Monday afternoon, but Smith and Voges were always in control during their unbeaten 212-run stand.

There is also little to suggest Australia's attack, plundered for a total of 624 by Taylor, Kane Williamson and some freewheeling tailenders, are capable of taking 10 wickets.

"Hopefully, when we do set up a run-chase, those cracks can come into play," Voges said.

Smith will resume on 131, while Voges is 101 not out.

The hosts had slipped to 2-46, with both openers back in the pavilion and hamstrung Usman Khawaja unable to bat at first drop.

Smith peeled off his fourth century in five Tests as captain - the previous three coming last summer when he filled in for injured Michael Clarke.

"He batted beautifully and took the game on," Voges said.

Smith was also the first Australian skipper to post a Test ton at the WACA since 1985.

The right-hander signalled his side's intent early, stroking five boundaries from the first 12 deliveries he faced.

The 26-year-old finished the day by taking 14 runs off the final over.

Smith needed 140 balls to reach three figures, dispatching a wide ball from Trent Boult through the covers with typical ease.

Smith offered a tough chance on 96 and was struck on the elbow and side of the helmet after passing 100.

None of it ruined his rhythm.

Despite the ton, it has been Smith's most-frustrating match as Test skipper.

The fresh-faced leader looked near powerless as Taylor struck 43 fours and picked apart his fields.

Australia's sloppy fielding also continued on Monday.

Mitch Marsh missed a run-out chance when Mark Craig was on eight.

Craig fell for 15, making it a lot less costly than the other reprieves.

Marsh spilled a sharp catch at gully when Taylor was on 137, while the hosts also missed a run-out opportunity on Sunday when he was 107.