Aussies in control in first NZ test

It was supposed to be Brendon McCullum’s day but it was opposing captain Steve Smith who made the right moves as Australia ended day one of the first cricket Test against New Zealand comfortably in control here on Friday.

Smith called correctly at the toss, made New Zealand bat on a green wicket and within two sessions the innings was over for 183. Australia at stumps were 147-3, 36 behind New Zealand, with Smith making 71. Usman Khawaja was not out 57 with Adam Voges on seven. Voges was bowled by Doug Bracewell in the final over of the day only for umpire Richard Illingworth to call it a no-ball. Replays indicated it was a legitimate delivery.

When New Zealand batted, Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle did the damage for Smith as they ripped through the top order in conditions ripe for seam and swing. Their cause was helped by some injudicious shot selection, including by McCullum, who saw his 100th Test celebrations fall flat when he was out for a duck. He did not get forward far enough to a Hazlewood special that came back, took an inside edge and deflected off the pads to David Warner at third slip.

After McCullum had received a rousing ovation when he walked to the middle, there was silence when he walked off after facing seven deliveries. The Kiwi innings lasted 48 overs thanks to lusty tail-end hitting at the end.