The second Test continues to deliver a plethora of runs and milestones, but a draw seems inevitable 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 New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, the second-highest Test score by a batsman against Australia.

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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.

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

Likewise, there was 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.

Steve Smith moved up to number three in the absence of Usman Khawaja and immediately made an impact. Photo: Getty

Smith will resume on 131, while Voges is 101 not out after celebrating his first Test ton on home soil.

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 stomped on any hopes NZ had of running through the top order.

It was the 26-year-old’s fourth century in five Tests as captain – the previous three coming last summer when he filled in for injured Michael Clarke.

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.

He 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.

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

Ross Taylor smacked his best Test score of 290. Photo: AAP

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, a bugbear for Smith and coach Darren Lehmann, 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 reprieves offered the previous day.

Marsh spilled a sharp catch at gully when Taylor was on 137, while Nathan Lyon fumbled an edge at third slip when Brendon McCullum was on five.

The hosts also had an opportunity to dismiss McCullum for five and Taylor for 107 on Sunday, but failed to throw down the stumps.

NZ resumed at 6-510 on Monday, Taylor boasting an overnight score of 235 and all manner of records.

By the time substitute fielder Jonathan Wells snaffled a scrambling catch in the deep to dismiss Taylor, he had a few more.

-AAP