Kiwis on top despite defiant Clarke
Friday, 21 November 2008
Michael Clarke saved Australia from total collapse as they were dismissed for 214 on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.
Clarke was the last man out, bowled by part-timer Jesse Ryder, after batting for almost five hours to make 98, BBC report.
Australia were reduced to 23-3 by seamer Tim Southee at the start of play and the youngster finished with 4-63.
New Zealand survived five overs from Brett Lee and Stuart Clark to reach 7-0 in reply at the close.
It was an excellent day for the tourists and another difficult one for Australia, who recently suffered a 2-0 series defeat in India.
It was the lowest first innings by an Australian side at the Gabba since 1990 - and they have played a Test in Brisbane every year since then. The Aussies have not lost a Test at the Queensland ground since 1988.
The hosts left out off-spinner Jason Krejza, who took 12 wickets in the final match of the India series, and opted to rely on recalled Andrew Symonds and Clarke for any slow bowling required in the match.
But it was their batting which was the immediate focus of attention after New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori won the toss and boldly chose to put Australia in.
They only had to wait until the fourth over for the breakthrough as Southee, who found early bounce and movement, had Matthew Hayden caught at slip for eight and followed up by having Simon Katich taken by keeper Brendon McCullum for 10.
Clarke was the last man out, bowled by part-timer Jesse Ryder, after batting for almost five hours to make 98, BBC report.
Australia were reduced to 23-3 by seamer Tim Southee at the start of play and the youngster finished with 4-63.
New Zealand survived five overs from Brett Lee and Stuart Clark to reach 7-0 in reply at the close.
It was an excellent day for the tourists and another difficult one for Australia, who recently suffered a 2-0 series defeat in India.
It was the lowest first innings by an Australian side at the Gabba since 1990 - and they have played a Test in Brisbane every year since then. The Aussies have not lost a Test at the Queensland ground since 1988.
The hosts left out off-spinner Jason Krejza, who took 12 wickets in the final match of the India series, and opted to rely on recalled Andrew Symonds and Clarke for any slow bowling required in the match.
But it was their batting which was the immediate focus of attention after New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori won the toss and boldly chose to put Australia in.
They only had to wait until the fourth over for the breakthrough as Southee, who found early bounce and movement, had Matthew Hayden caught at slip for eight and followed up by having Simon Katich taken by keeper Brendon McCullum for 10.