07:09

A superb day of Test cricket ends with Australia in the box seat, but their presence there owes as much to luck as it does skill after New Zealand probed without just reward in front of 80,000 at the MCG.

After winning the toss and inviting Australia to bat first in overcast conditions, New Zealand began perfectly, Trent Boult castling Joe Burns (0) with the fourth delivery of the match. Thereafter David Warner (43) grew into his innings before a beauty from Neil Wagner was rewarded by an even better catch from Tim Southee at second slip.

The contest was evenly poised at lunch and continued to remain in the balance at tea, thanks largely to Colin de Grandhomme, who bowled superbly in the afternoon session for the reward of Marnus Labuschagne (63), bowled off his elbow attempting to leave a delivery outside his off stump. That was a rare moment of misfortune for Australia on a day when edge after edge missed the field or died short of a catcher, not to mention a couple of borderline LBW appeals going their way and a few run-out opportunities going begging.

But true to form the Kiwis never gave up and deserved more than just the wicket of Matthew Wade (38) in the final session. Unfortunately for them Steve Smith was one of the batsmen they were trying to dismiss, and after a lean start to the summer the run-machine ticked beyond 7,000 in his career to end the day unbeaten on 77 and looking back to the man who tormented England over the winter.

Credit has to go to the MCG groundstaff for preparing a surface that allowed the ball to move in the air and off the seam throughout the day, keeping the batsmen honest, and ensuring long spells of compelling cricket. The pitch slowed considerably as the day wore on and it remains to be seen if it dies completely following its next meeting with the heavy roller.

To find out how it plays, and if Australia can turn their early ascendancy into a stranglehold, join Adam Collins and I back here tomorrow.