New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test: Australia in driver’s seat against New Zealand.

Australia seized control of the opening Test on Friday after a miserable day for hosts New Zealand left them 217 runs adrift here and with a mountain to climb to stay in the match.

New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test

The visitors finished on 13-2 in their second innings with night watchman Nathan Lyon not out six and opener Usman Khawaja on five after Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne departed cheaply.

Tim Southee bowled Smith with his third ball, then had the out-of-form Labuschagne caught behind by Tom Blundell.

However, Southee dropped Lyon in the slips late on from Matt Henry to cap a frustrating day for New Zealand at Basin Reserve.

Cameron Green earlier smashed an unbeaten 174 as Australia raced to an imposing first-innings 383, before bowling out New Zealand for 179.

Australia struck early, dismissing Tom Latham (5) before Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra fell for ducks within the space of five balls to leave them tottering at 12-3.

Glenn Phillips offered the most resistance before he was dismissed for 71, caught by Mitchel Starc off a Josh Hazlewood delivery. Australia then quickly picked off New Zealand’s tail. Phillips’ sixth wickets partnership of 84 with Tom Blundell (33) was the meager highlight.

New Zealand vs Australia, 1st Test Brief Scores:

Australia-383 (C. Green 174 n.o., M. Marsh 40; M. Henry 5-70) & 13/2. Vs New Zealand-179 (T Blundell 33, G Phillips 71, M. Henry 42: Hazlewood 2-55, Lyon 4-43).

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