Cricket: Test match evenly poised after first day

By NICK STANLEY

Herald Online staff

New Zealand fought their way back into the second cricket test against Australia in Wellington today, recovering from a top-order collapse to make 298 in their first innings.

At stumps on the first day the Australia were two wickets for 29. Simon Doull had Australian opener Greg Blewitt caught at second slip without scoring, and Daniel Vettori trapped night-watchman Shane Warne lbw for 7 with the last ball of the day.

The hero for the Black Caps was Chris Cairns who reached his first test hundred against Australia, resurrecting New Zealand's batting effort after dreadful first session.

The Kiwis were 5 for 66 when Cairns came to the wicket and he guided them through to 284 before he was caught by Greg Blewitt off the bowling of Colin Miller.

Cairns brought up his 100 in 123 balls, including 14 fours and two big sixes off Warne in the same over.

Along the way he shared a 109-run partnership with Adam Parore, who made 46, and a 72-run stand with Nathan Astle, who made 61.

Daniel Vettori's 27 and Simon Doull's 12 got New Zealand through to a total that looked impossible after the morning session.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch expected to favour the bowlers. The Kiwis lost Craig Spearman (4), Matt Horne (4) in the first four overs and were 3 wickets down for 18 when Matthew Sinclair was trapped lbw for the same score.

The Black Caps went to lunch at 5 wickets for 69 after the further loss of Fleming for 16 and Craig McMillan for one. At tea Cairns and Parore had taken the Kiwis through to 204 for 6 wickets.

Shane Warne was the top wicket-taker for the Australians, finishing with the figures of 4 wickets for 68. Brett Lee finished the day with the figures of 3 for 49.

Australia starts tomorrow 270 runs behind with eight wickets in hand. Michael Slater is on 22 and he will be joined by Mark Waugh.