Tim Southee took four for 63 as Australia were bowled out for an under-par 214 on the first day of the first Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.

Southee’s early burst, followed by some sustained pressure at the other end, saw the hosts, fresh off a 2-0 series defeat in India, struggling at 152 for seven, but Michael Clarke shepherded the tail to take them past the 200-run mark.

The Australian captain was the last man out after a resolute 98, bowled through the gate by part-time medium-pacer Jesse Ryder.

Poor start

Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and had no hesitation in putting Australia in on a pitch that was bound to have something in it after overnight rains.

Openers Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich both fell prodding at deliveries outside the off-stump, before Ricky Ponting was squared by a beauty from Southee to the leave the hosts at 23 for three. Mike Hussey and Clarke put on 73 for the fourth wicket, but Australia never looked in control at any point.

In reply, New Zealand survived five overs nervous overs, finishing at seven for no loss.

Scoreboard

Australia (1st inns): M Hayden c Taylor b Southee 8, S Katich c McCullum b Southee 10, R Ponting c How b Southee 4, M Hussey lbw b Martin 35, M Clarke b Ryder 98, A Symonds c McCullum b O’Brien 26, S Watson c McCullum b O’Brien 1, B Haddin c How b Ryder 6, B Lee c McCullum b Southee 4, M Johnson c Taylor b Vettori 5, S Clark not out 13

... contd.