Black Caps Struggle To Make Impact

Australia's stranglehold over the Black Caps has continued in the first test at the 'Gabba.

After the hosts declared on 556 for 4, New Zealand collapsed, losing four wickets in four overs, to finish on 157 for 5 at stumps on day two, trailing by 399 runs.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan admitted they weren't good enough.

"We made a pretty good start - there were a couple of good partnerships, but they came hard for a twenty minute period and we made mistakes, and if you make mistakes at this level quit often it's costly ... we have to give them credit, the way they bowled."

Black Caps bowler Trent Boult said they're way behind the eight ball now.

"We were off on the first day," Boult said. "we've definitely tried to come back a little bit but I guess the Australians have really shown us how to bowl in these conditions."

Australian paceman Mitchell Starc, who took two wickets, said their aggressiveness paid off.

"The way we started with the ball was obviously pretty attacking, as you can afford to do with so many runs on the board. Then we clawed it back through the middle nicely and finished the last session with 5 wickets for 150 which was a great job all round."

Kane Williamson is at the crease on 55, while BJ Watling is on 14.

Meanwhile Tim Southee's involvement in the rest of the series is up in the air, with Neil Wagner replacing the Black Caps bowler who left the match with an irritated disc in his back.

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