Australia skittle Kiwis on Hobart greentop

HOBART: James Pattinson took three wickets and Peter Siddle two as Australia made the most of a lively Bellerive Oval wicket to leave New Zealand languishing on 83-6
at lunch on the opening day of the second test on Friday.

New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor had a morning to forget, losing all rounder Daniel Vettori to a hamstring strain then an important toss and finally three wickets inside the first 45 minutes, including his own.

Brendon McCullum (16) and Kane Williamson (19) staged a mini recovery after the tourists were reduced to 3-25 but three wickets in two overs, including a two-wicket maiden from Pattinson, left their hopes of a win to square the series in tatters.

Dean Brownlie, who was 20 not out, and Doug Bracewell, unbeaten on five, were at the crease at the break with the task of trying to get the tally into three figures and some semblance of respectability.

Australia started unchanged from the team that won the opening match in the two-test series by nine wickets in Brisbane last Sunday with Pattinson, who took 5-27 on debut at the Gabba, handed the ball to open the attack.

It was Siddle who got the most movement out of the grassy wicket, however, and he had opener Martin Guptill caught behind for three with his second ball of the day.

Jesse Ryder (0) was promoted to number three but his innings lasted just six balls before he was given out lbw to Pattinson, umpire Nigel Llong reversing his original decision after an appeal by Australia brought the television pictures into play.

Taylor was the next to go for six and again the TV appeal system was employed, this time to deny a Black Caps' appeal that Siddle's delivery would have gone over the stumps and therefore the lbw decision was in error.

Mitchell Starc, who also made his debut at the Gabba, ended New Zealand's revival when he had Williamson caught down the leg side by Haddin after the batsman went for a ball he should have left well alone.

In the next over, Pattinson removed the key wicket of McCullum with Haddin again taking the catch after the opener had been tempted by a full delivery outside the off stump that moved away from him.

Wicketkeeper Reece Young was the 21-year-old paceman's next victim, chopping the ball onto his own stumps at the last moment after shaping to leave it alone and departing for a duck.

Vettori's absence, confirmed only minutes before the toss, was a major blow to the New Zealanders but meant a test debut for left-arm quick Trent Boult. (Reuters)