Glue ... Clarke's 98 held the Australia innings together. David Kapernick Source: News Limited picture 
Bye bye Roy ... O'Brien claims Symonds' scalp. David Kapernick Source: News Limited picture NEW Zealand dominated from the outset on day one to have Australia all out for just 214. In response the Black Caps are 0-7 at stumps.
Join me Thursday for all the day two action from 11am EDT.
1836: New Zealand are offered the light and take it. that will be it for today, New Zealand surviving through until stumps without dropping a wicket. They'll resume tomorrow at 0-7.
1832: A massive appeal from Lee for LBW. Umpire Koertzen has a long look but turns it down. Replay's prove him right for the second time today, ball missing off-stump.
NEW ZEALAND 0-7
1825: How off the mark. Ball worked fine and gets two for his trouble.
1819: Clark with the ball from the other end. Sends one stright through Redmond, ripping him in half.
1817: Dangerous out-swinger from Lee has How utterly confused. Lucky to avoid the edge. End of fiery first over from Lee.
1816: Off the mark with a quick run off a defensive shot to cover point. Redmond pulls up after the run.
1813: FIRST BALL. Lee will take the first over and it will be Redmond taking stance with How at the other end. Wide delivery outside off and through to Haddin.
1810: Despite the dark sky officials have said New Zealand will bat this evening.
1802: WICKET. Michael Clarke is bowled right through the gate by Jesse Ryder for 98. Great innings that just falls short of a century. The end of a solid last wicket partnership and the end of an underwhelming Australia innings.
AUSTRALIA ALL OUT 214
1759: BOWLING CHANGE. Jesse Ryder comes back in to change things up a little. First ball is a single for Clarke who moves to 98.
1756: Very dark clouds descending over the Gabba with talk the light may be offered shortly. Clarke is on 97 and will want to knock this milestone off before the close of play I'm sure. Stuart Clark offering great support at the other end.
James says: Clarke and Clark. I have a mate named clark who now works at Fox Sports. A very talented cricketer in his day ... they could do with him now. John Clark - Lovely fella. Bad haircut.
I'll pay that James, he's an okay fella I guess.
1748: FOUR. Stuart Clark with a lovely straight drive that keeps this tail wagging.
AUSTRALIA 9-207
1745: 200 up for Australia, three runs to Clarke which also takes him into the 90s.
1741: BOWLING CHANGE. O'Brien is introduced back into the attack. Can the Black Caps close out this innings before the end of the day? That would give thema dicey little period with the bat before the close of play.
1731: Vettori fields quickly at cover and has a throw at the non-striker's end as Clark dashes through for a single. It misses but quick thinking from Luca and good enthusiasm at this stage of the day.
1724: Stuart Clark is away with a shot to backward point. Two runs for the last man in. Next ball he adds another two with a ball that glides past gully.
Matt says: I'm sorry Nelsson but where did u pull Tait's name from? Wasn't even in the reckoning for Test selection. I wouldn't have him playing on a pitch like this, when all you need is a few bowlers who can bowl on a spot (Stuart Clark will be rewarded with many wickets in this Test if he bowls his usual consistent line and length) and we have Clarke and Symonds who can bowl more than half decent finger spin. Watson gets the seam up so he will get movement from this pitch without a doubt, so why risk a very inconsistent bowler for a very decent all rounder? With this bowling attack I believe that if McCullum gets out cheaply then NZL will struggle to get 125, and that's being kind.
I agree Matt.
1719: WICKET. Vetorri breaks through, a Johnson edge goes high to first slip and is juggled then caught by Taylor. In comes Clark. It's Clarke and Clark.
AUSTRALIA 9-183
1716: BOWLING CHANGE. Vettori comes back into the attack with 14 overs left before the new ball can be taken.
1714: FOUR. Johnson lifts a good short ball over gully and is congratulated by Clarke. Good show of confidence from the tail-ender.
1712: Johnson is off the mark with a flick on the on-side earning him one run.
AUSTRALIA 8-173
1708: Clarke continues to keep the runs slowly ticking over. He really has been Australia's saviour today. After a risky start he has shown great compsure and patience while those around him have lost their collective heads.
Nelsson says: I can't believe the selectors chose only 3 official bowlers, What about Krejza and Tait? Why didn't they choose Tait or Krejza?
It will be a long time until we see Tait in a test side again, let him ease back into the one day scene first. And I think there's a fair argument that Watson and Symonds can hold there own with the ball so I don't think they're lacking in bowling depth with this selection.
1657: FOUR. A superb cover drive on the up from Clarke, puts his whole body behind it. Timely score as they Aussies try and edge towards 200.
AUSTRALIA 8-166
1651: BOWLING CHANGE. Elliot on for Ryder.
Dave the Kiwi in New York says: I think none of the current teams compare with England of the late 80s/early 90s in terms of being dominated by foreign-born players. There were times when there was scarcely a British-born player in the eleven: Graeme Hick, Robin Smith, Nasser Hussain, Alan Lamb, Derek Pringle, Devon Malcolm, Gladstone Small, Phil Edmonds, Phil DeFreitas, Chris Lewis, Andy Caddick -- just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
Bout as many Englishmen in there as a Premier League football side!
1647: WICKET. Fantastic diving catch by McCullum, the ball staying perched in the fingers of his glove. Lee pushing at a Southee delivery outside off and the quick has his fourth wicket after taking apart the Australia top order. Mitchell Johnson comes to the crease.
AUSTRALIA 8-160
1643: FOUR. Outfield again proves to be deceptively quick as Lee gets off the mark hitting it to the square leg boundary.
AUSTRALIA 7-159
1641: Clarke comes down hard on the ball and almost lets the it fall back onto his stumps, stays alert enough to have his bat at the ready and danger averted.
1631: Southee now at the other end, first ball moves nicely off the seam.
1630: Play back under way with Ryder finishing his wicket-taking over to the new batsman Lee.
Kar says: Is the pitch really bad or are the Aussies messing it up.. it did look like a green top to me, but I guess thats what the Aussies wanted right?
Yeah it's green that's for sure, and it will be to the liking of the Aussie quicks when there time comes. If the toss went Ponting's way then it could've been a messy experience for the Black Cap batsmen early on too.
1611: TEA. And that will take us through to the final break. New Zealand very much on top.
Don't forget to head over to Fox Sports Stick Cricket and do what the Aussies can't seem to do right now - have a bat!
1609: WICKET. A full and wide delivery from Ryder tempts Haddin and he edges it through to How at second slip.
AUSTRALIA 7-152
1608: BOWLING CHANGE. Jesse Ryder introduced with his (barely) meduim pacers. Rumours are that young Ryder may in fact have eaten all the pies. Mystery solved.
1602: Australia bring up 150 with a bowler's mis-field.
AUSTRALIA 6-152
1558: FOUR. Haddin off the mark groping at a wide ball and sending it to the boundary.
1552: Clarke gets a leading edge after trying to pull out of a shot and it flies over the slips.
1551: BOWLING CHANGE. Southee back into the attack, see if he can get back in the wicket-taking mood.
1546: WICKET. Watson tries the cut and instead edges O'Brien through to the keeper and goes for one. Clarke is holding the innings together but now it's Haddin and the tail to partner him.
AUSTRALIA 6-139
1545: FOUR & HALF CENTURY. Clarke unleashes Vettori back over his head and brings up a hard-fought 50.
1534: WICKET. Symonds edges it through to McCullum off O'Brien. Ball straightens from a good line and O'Brien is fired up. In comes Shane Watson.
1533: EMBARRASSING. Symonds slaps the ball over Redmond, it fails to reach the boundary but they run four. The throw in then misses McCullum and goes for four overthrows. What a mess from the New Zealand field
1532: DROPPED. Redmond drops a Symonds hook off O'Brien. Should've been taken,
1528: And the answer is there's turn as the first ball is left by Clarke for McCullum.
1527: BOWLING CHANGE. Daniel Vettori introduces himself into the attack, a change from the medium pace that's been dominating this session. Let's see what's in it for the slower men - no offence Luca.
Neil asks: Why is it that only opposition players get branded as "South African born" or "Australian born"? You don't see Symonds labeled as "British born player Symonds" or Phil Jacques as "British passport holder Jacques".
It is true that you don't hear it in relation to imported Aussies but who knows how other countries refer them? Would be interesting to know if South African commentators for example refer to "English born Symonds".
1518: FOUR: Again Roy clobbers that one high on the on-side and ladies and gentlemen let there be no doubt, Symonds is back.
AUSTRALIA 4-121
1517: FOUR. Symonds flicks the next ball off his pads and sends it to the boundary again.
1516: FOUR. Symonds shows sheer power, and a little impatience but it works out well. Elliot hammered on the off-side as Vettori fails to get there in time.
1510: FOUR. Bad ball, great shot. Clarke hammers Martin past a leaping Ryder at slip and it races away.
Steve says: Also information for Ted: Andrew Symonds was born in England.
Touche Steve. We're all about knowledge sharing here - go team!
1503: Martin continues to get great carry and is loking for the slightest of edges to carry "Southee style"
Venke from Hyderabad says: Hi. Daniel "Luca" Vettori has been a very distinguished cricketer. He has been on the international scene so long it is sometimes hard to believe he is still in his twenties. Here is wishing him well and all our prayers that he wins this series hands down.
I remember him storming onto the scene a decade ago and he was always destined for the captaincy role. Like Stephen Fleming New Zealand are lucky that their captains of recent times have both had early starts and become seasoned international campaigners by the time the took over the leadership. Same goes for Punter and his heir in waiting Clarke.
1456: Symonds is off the mark. Nicely timed and well weighted shot. It took a while but the crowd love it. Third umpire called on to decide if it went for four but replays confirm the fielder got there in time and Roy gets three.
AUSTRALIA 4-101
Ted says: With Elliot and Pietersen as an example how can they register for a foreign team if they where born in another one?
This isn't the rugby league World Cup so I think you'll find they've done their time and are now citizens of their chosen countries so I'm sure it's not too controversial. Graeme Hick waited his time before playing with England if you recall. Oh and the Black Caps' Aaron Redmond is Australian born while we're on the topic.
1448: Perfect delivery from Martin, brings Clarke forward and almost shave the outside edge. Great bowlling so far from the man with the girliest run-up.
Jarrod says: Sachin, why is it when India win one series at home they think they're the best in the world? Australia deserve the right to be favourites against New Zealand and should expect to beat them easily because let's face it New Zealand are average - form says that. They got smashed against New South Wales. If Australia make 250, New Zealand will make 150 as their batting is dismal and any half decent bowler can take wickets on a pitch that has narrowly survived a cyclone. I suggest India and any other team wishing to take the top mantle in world cricket only make any such claims after years not months of success.
Alright boys now play nice! But Jarrod I do agree that New Zealand will struggle big time on this pitch, especially if they get in early.
1441: Here comes Roy!
1439: WICKET. In-swinger from Martin clips Hussey on the pad, not offering a shot. Hawkeye says it was clipping off. Decision took a long time to come from Koertzen, always one for the dramatics, but the result is the same and the Black Caps have the break through.
AUSTRALIA 4-96
Harrison asks: What the weather like now? Any storms near or clouds?
Still looking fine Harrison but there is significantly more cloud cover than there was this morning so might become a factor later in the day.
1434: FOUR. Clarke jabs at the ball and punches Elliot back down the ground.
AUSTRALIA 3-95
Ryan says: G'day! On this pitch what do you think Australia would settle with as a par score?
250?
Nice pick Ryan, that's what the experts are suggesting but I think Australia still have 300 in them. Especially if these two take tea together.
1426: BOWLING CHANGE. Chris Martin return to give Southee a rest, it seems the wicket-taker will be used in short spells throughout the innings.
1425: A maiden to start for South Afircan born Elliot.
Sachin says: There has been a strong undercurrent of disrespect for Kiwis in the Australian camp and media over the past few days. It was as widely believed they are in for a slaughter as it was accepted that the Aussies deserved to vent their ire against someone. Their recent failure was seen as an aberration, rather than a reflection on their competence. I hope the Kiwis put them in their place.
Fire up Sachin! There's some cricketing passion for you readers.
1423: BOWLING CHANGE. Nice timing, Grant Elliot on to relieve O'Brien.
1422: Same shot again, would've been four if it weren't for the fact the ball cannoned into the square umpire, ouch! Great fielding from the New Zealander ... erm I mean umpire.
AUSTRALIA 3-90
1421: Southee just short of a length and Hussey hooks him for four. Punished. No other word for it.
1420: Southee and O'Brien are doing the job without getting any wickets, the youngster has the wickets while O'Brien has restricted the runs. What will be the Black Caps' next change?
Gareth says: Hi, is there any kind of test cricket law against players from wearing bibs whilst playing? I feel this is the only way that Australia may succeed in this series.
Ah Gareth, are we a little jealous of the outstanding fashion sense being shown by the black Caps? Certainly is a striking strip and beats the heck out of the dull Australian creams I must say. Even if New Zealand lose the Test they'll do it looking good!
1415: FOUR. Clarke throws the bat at a wide O'Brien delivery and pulls sending it rocketing to the fence.
1413: FOUR. Southee gets carted back with a beautiful straight drive, fielder does his best to cut it off but only succeeds in falling over himself.
Bruce says: Ponting should declare now to give his bowlers the very lop sided advantage of playing on this putting green. Only joking! The curators mower ran out of fuel though.
A sporting declaration it would be, and I don't know how confident the Black Caps would feel chasing 74 on this track either. It's been an intriguing start but if the Australia pacemen get their chance early enough they could do some real damage.
1405: FOUR. Clarke opens up and with soft hands glides the ball past the slips and to the boundary. Both these guys looking settled for a long stay.
AUSTRALIA 3-72
1357: FOUR. Perfect pull shot from Hussey, picked well and extreme concentration sees O'Brien sent to the boundary.
Rob in Toronto says: You Fox Sports guys are legends over there, I now have something to look forward to each day at work, between the soccer this morning and the cricket tonight (Toronto time…) I've had the best day in weeks! Time for Pup to play a potential captains knock…
Thanks Rob, glad we could be part of your day. It's great to have the cricket back on Aussie soil! Pup is looking good for the captains knock that the captain himself failed to deliver.
1351: Hussey playing very patiently, willing to work the ball and run between the wickets. O'Brien also being very patient for the Black Caps, miserly too conceeding only 9 runs off his seven overs.
Nick says: I'm 15 and I'm sitting here at work experience, not doing much, and they put the cricket on ha ha. I am an avid Clarke fan, and I wanted to know what you thought his chances of tonning it up today are?
Hi Nick, it must be work experience week! We've got Jarred the work experience kid riding shotgun with us here at Foxsports.com.au as we speak.
As for Clarke, I think it could be on. He got away with some questionable shot selection at the start of his innings and he and Hussey look good going into the break. But maybe I'm the wrong person to ask – I go into every Test expecting to see a Clarke tonne, much like Hussey I think they're two players that always look capable.
1345: Southee to take the ball from the other end. Hussey starts positively with his first ball after the break playing Southee nicely on the on-side for three runs.
1340: We're back with O'Brien opening the bowling for this second session. A maiden to get things underway after lunch.
1304: LUNCH. Australia go into the break at 3-60 with Hussey and Clarke establishing a solid partnership and ensuring the session doesn't belong to the Black Caps - spoils are shared in a shortened opening session.
While there's a break in the action and we all grab a spot of lunch, why don't you try your hand at Stick Cricket and take on the Black Caps on the way to world domination!
Harrison asks: What is the weather like, are there any clouds around? What time is tea and lunch in QLD Time?
Unbelievably there's blue sky and sunshine in the wake of massive storms and flooding throughout Queensland. We should expect the first break at 1300 EDT or 1200 for those north of the border.
1256: Ian Healy remarks that the next wicket is crucial. Not only is this partnership building (they came together at 3-23) but the next man in will be Andrew Symonds and the Black Caps should be wanting to get at him as soon as they can. As Healy says, Symonds is pretty much a rookie again today.
1248: O'Brien's done it again! This time Clarke takes a full paced delivery right to the sensitive spot - you know what I'm talking about. In all seriousness O'Brien has really started to tighten up his deliveries.
AUSTRALIA 3-57
1241: BOWLING CHANGE. Martin returns to give Southee a break, what an opening spell for the kid.
1234: FOUR. Another mis-timed Clarke shot from a Southee out-swinger, flies past third slip and to the boundary. New Zealand need to stay patient and not get frustrated as this partnership settles. Australia are starting to see the runs come and will be looking to have these two comfortable at lunch. Eight from that over.
AUSTRALIA 3-55
Zane says: This first session reminds me of one Richard Haddle back in the 80s on a green gabba pitch, 9 for 50-odd. I'd be dreaming if Southee can pull the same thing off this morning!
9-52 I do believe, let's not get ahead of ourselves though, he may not be another Hadlee just yet but if Southee can collect a fiver in this innings he'll be well on the way.
1230: Ouch! Hussey takes one to the baby maker, makes for a good replay but that has to smart. Follows up with a couple of runs off the next ball, that's the way Huss, run it off.
1228: A catchable chance that disects the men at gully and point, Clarke living dangerously not sure what Punter would be thinking back in the pavillion.
AUSTRALIA 3-39
1226: FOUR: But could so easily have been a wicket. Another Southee edge, this time from Clarke which falls in front of slip and scoots under the fielder and goes all the way to the fence.
1223: BOWLING CHANGE. O'Brien replaces Martin and a solid first over, though with Southee working his magic at the other end it's going to take something special to stand out this morning.
1220: Drinks at the Gabba, well what a first hour of play!
Harrison says: What's happening, Ashes '05 and India all over again.
A long way to go Harrison but this New Zealander is hoping you're right!
1216: FOUR. Hussey plays a Southee delivery square off his legs while falling over and still manages to get it to the fence, aided by the fielder also slipping over in the chase.
1213: Hussey off the mark. Closes the face of the bat on the ball and takes off for two. More than ever Australia re in need of a massive Hussey knock here today. Clarke has joined him at the crease and Australia still have the men in the middle who can do the job.
Paul says: Hayden out cheaply again. How many more chances do you think he will get? Do you think the selectors will tap him on the shoulder if he fails again this Test then the next (let him got to 100 tests) and ask him to jump before he's pushed?
Hi Paul, Haydos was saved by his recovery in the final two tests in India and there's still the thinking that he doesn't stay out of form for long. He'll be there for this series but if he doesn't perform against the Black Caps then maybe they will need to think of other options against the Proteas.
1206: WICKET. Southee has his third. Ball hits Ponting high on the bat and it flies to Jamie How at second slip. Australia in real trouble with the captain heading back to the pavillion.
AUSTRALIA 3-23
1201: Mr Cricket makes his way to the pitch. Is Hussey in for a big day out at the Gabba?
1159: WICKET. Just like Hayden, Katich follows up a boundary with an edge and this one goes sweetly to McCullum behind the stumps. Southee has his second and Australia are 2-22.
1158: FOUR. Katich works it beautifully on the on-side and brings up his first boundary.
1155: FOUR. That's what we can expect from Ponting. Full face of the bat as he hammers it back past the bowler. Punter off the mark in the best way possible.
1154: Captain Ricky out in the centre, what can we expect from Punter today?
1150: WICKET. Hayden edges Southee to Ross Taylor at first slip, he looked on early but that's exactly what NZ needed after electing to bowl - a quick wicket.
AUSTRALIA 1-13
1149: FOUR. A credit to the ground staff that the ball is gliding along this track. Hayden sending it to a square third man.
1147: Strong cover drive from Katich almost makes it to the boundary despite the moisture. Three runs collected.
1142: Martin with a great leg-cutter that just misses the edge of Katich. Black Cap bowlers looking calculated early.
Nick says: Watson should be played ahead of Symonds when Australia use a spinner like Krejza to give the option of an extra pace bowler. However, I think Symonds should be played when they go with four paceman for spin variety. I don't think Watson is our 4th best bowler though. I'd prefer Siddle.
So given today's selection then Nick are we thinking that Symonds' place is correct but Siddle should be preferred to Watson? It's a controversial call but I see the merits. I guess this is a home track for both Symonds and Watson so there's another reason to play them both.
1138: A beautiful delivery from Southee passes over the off-stump. A good first over for the youngster, Australia has often been the team to break the spirits and careers or many rookie New Zealanders, it will stand Southee in good stead if he can establish himself against the world's best.
1136: Tim Southee takes the ball for the second over. Katich defends for a quick run on the second ball. both openers off the mark.
1132. FOUR. Hayden more positive now, a confident drive on the off-side to despatch Martin.
1130: FIRST BALL. Chris Martin takes the new ball, Matthew hayden on strike. Hayden wafts the bat at a Martin out-swinger. Not a confident shot but we're away.
1130: A delay just before the first ball, seems hayden may have a problem with the screen, umpires are now talking to the third umpire, tension building. Turns out Hayden was distracted by the alley behind the sight screen which has now been closed.
1128: Katich and Hayden walk out to the centre of the Gabba, let's go!
1123: Not long now, anthems have been sung and players are moments away from getting another summer of test cricket underway.
Kieran says: G’day Christopher, do you think that the ICC will relent in the near future and stop the sanctions against players who compete in the rebel leagues? I’m sure most cricket fans will be disappointed not to see a player of Shane Bond’s class bowling in this test. Hopefully they can sort this all out before more players are lost to test cricket.
We can only hope so Kieran. The point has been made that NZ cricketers don't earn the same kind of money that they do in Australia or India etc so who can blame Bond for chasing the cash? Sadly Shane is no spring chicken so there's not much time if we are to see him return, I think his days of test cricket are over. Hopefully Southee lives up to his tag as the new Bond.
1118: Teams are now walking onto the ground for the anthems, Andrew Symonds looking particularly proud to be part of the fold once more.
Brian from Caboolture writes: Hey Christopher, has Ricky Ponting lost his toss magic or what? I think the last time he won the toss Shane Warne was still playing! Also, look out NZ, here comes the backlash!
Not wrong Brian, gives more weight to the calls to bring Warnie back then doesn't it. That's four in a row not to go Ricky's way. Not sure about that backlash though, this Kiwi (I'm admitting it nice and ealry) thinks the young Black Caps could be about to do something special.
1115: A lot is being made of the holes in this New Zealand side, with Jacob Oram injured, Shane Bond black-banned, and the first showdown against Australia without Stephen Fleming in over a decade. Still there are few fighters in world cricket the likes of Daniel Vettori - can he inspire his troops as required?
1107: Coin toss falls for Daniel Vettori and he elects to bowl as expected. Puts all the pressure on the Black Caps now however, with young quick Tim Southee looking to exploit a green Gabba wicket. Ricky Ponting seems happy enough to be getting first use with the bat, acknowledging the need to dominate in the first hour.
1105: Team sheets are in and the unlucky man for Australia is Jason Krejza. that means Shane Watson will take his place in the side as well as Andrew Symonds who was confirmed yesterday as a starter. What do we think people, the right decision? Michael Slater believes that Australia are only delaying the inevitable and Shane Watson will eventually be dropped for the second Test.
1100: A decision has been made and the ground has been given the all clear. Toss will take place in a few minutes with play scheduled to begin at 1130 EDT.
1035: Welcome to our coverage of the first Test of the summer, Australia ready to take on the Black Caps from New Zealand. The Gabba has been hit by storm damage overnight, destroying the roof of the grandstand. While there's blue sky and sunshine now the damage to the ground has been done and it looks like there will be a delay to the start of play, hopefully not too long.
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