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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Australia won what seemed an influential toss and chose to bowl Friday on the first day of the first cricket test against New Zealand.
The pitch at the Basin Reserve was lushly grassed and expected to assist bowlers early on. Australia captain Steve Smith said the pitch would gradually improve for batting and it was up to his bowlers to take advantage of the conditions and make it as difficult as possible for the New Zealand batsmen.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum became the first player to play 100 consecutive tests; he hasn't missed a match since his debut against South Africa in 2004.
Batsman Henry Nichols made his test debut for New Zealand in the absence of Ross Taylor who has a side strain.
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