Weather News
Australia loses opening pair
Thursday November 20, 2008 - 12:03 EDT
New Zealand has reaped the rewards of winning the toss and electing to bowl in the first Test at the Gabba as Australia lost openers Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich cheaply.
Damaging storms in Brisbane overnight delayed the start of play as grounds staff worked around the clock to relieve excess rainwater from the surface.
Despite the emergence of blue skies and sunshine in Brisbane, a green Gabba wicket kept undercover for the best part of a week showed early signs of unpredictable movement.Follow the match on ABC Grandstand's live scorecard.
Tim Southee struck the telling first blow, the Kiwi opener catching the edge of Hayden's (8) bat as the burly left-hander looked to drive through the off-side.
But he only managed the slighest of contact as the ball moved off the seam and travelled through to the waiting hands of Ross Taylor at first slip.
Katich followed shortly after for 10 in similar circumstances, Southee bagging his second as the NSW left-hander's cagey defensive stroke found a nick en route to wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum.
All-rounder Shane Watson was given the nod ahead of Jason Krejza, who will carry the drinks despite taking 12 wickets on debut against India.
Yesterday, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting confirmed that controversial all-rounder Andrew Symonds would make his return to Test cricket after spending time out from the game to ponder his future.
Ponting says he is extremely confident of success against the Black Cap in the two-Test series.
"I'd expect us to win the series, whether that's 2-0, 1-0 or whatever I'd expect us to win," he said.
"I've got a lot of confidence in our group."
Ricky Ponting (c), Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark. Jason Krejza (12th man).
Daniel Vettori (c), Jamie How, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Flynn, Grant Elliot, Tim Southee, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin. Mark Gillespie (12th man).
- ABC
© ABC
2008
More breaking news
ABC News
Sydney Morning Herald
National Nine News
News Limited
warnings
current conditions