Christchurch, Feb 21: The second Test match between Australia and New Zealand at Christchurch almost reminded the cricketing fraternity of Phil Hughes' death, after a bouncer from pacer Neil Wagner felled Steve Smith with a blow to the head.

Century-maker Smith collapsed and lay prone on the ground for several seconds before getting back to his feet.

The Australian Test skipper he was given the all-clear following medical attention before he continued his stand as Australia closed in on New Zealand's first innings 370 in the second Test.

Pacer Neil Wagner defended his use of the bouncer but admitted to feeling "shaky" when Smith fell down after the blow.

The danger of head blows has been highlighted since Australian Phillip Hughes died after being struck on by a bouncer 15 months ago.

"It's not nice is it. It's bit of a shaky feeling," Wagner said when questioned about how he felt when Smith went down.

"It's never one's intention to hit someone in the head and see him go down like that. "I ran up straight to him and he flashed his eyes a little bit and I was a bit worried at the start and he said he's fine and he took a bit of time." Wagner, New Zealand's go-to bowler to break stubborn partnerships with his use of the short-pitched ball, defended the bouncer as an effective weapon.

Australia go into the third day of the Test on Monday in a strong position just seven runs behind New Zealand and with six wickets in hand.

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