Australia reign supreme at the Gabba ground where they have not lost a Test match since 1988, to Viv Richards’ mighty West Indies.
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Australia’s new opening combination of David Warner and Joe Burns were able to move to 161 before the first wicket fell, and apart from a missed run-out chance, there were no other close calls before Burns edged behind.
Admitting that the Black Caps should have played more cricket in the lead-up to the Gabba Test, Smith said that New Zealand didn’t look cricket-fit and consistent enough, News.com.au reported.
Brendon McCullum’s established New Zealand lineup entered the series in a confident mood, aiming for their country’s first test series win in Australia since 1985.
The 25-year-old Williamson scored 140 on Saturday, stroking 24 boundaries and defying a pace attack that skittled the New Zealand top order, to post his first test hundred against Australia and 11th overall.
Both of them added 161-run opening stand before Tim Southee got rid of Burns who scored 71.
Smith echoed opener David Warner when he derided New Zealand’s “nice guy act”, but he said hostilities would be put on hold – for one Test only – when the teams share a dressing-room beer after the Brisbane Test as part of Anzac commemorations.
Steve Smith ended his side’s second innings at 4-264 on Sunday, when pacemen Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will aim to make the most of overcast conditions.
The Australian team appeared to be vulnerable, with Smith in charge for his first test series and with Burns and Khawaja recalled after a number of veterans retired, and given two matches to prove themselves to selectors. Warner accused the Black Caps leader of double standards between his on-field values and his off-field opinions.
Williamson (55 not out) and Watling (14no) ensured no further damage was done, with New Zealand closing on 157-5 to trail by 399 runs. “When you’re doing well it’s easy to sit here and say that we’re operating really well, but there’s certainly going to be challenges coming every week”.
Starc had 4-57 to be the pick of the bowlers though he got valuable support from his colleagues, including Mitch Marsh who claimed a wicket in his first over.
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“It’s important that we play positively and stick to our gameplan”. Batting: Martin Guptill 3 (37), Tom Latham 14 (41): Australia have declared overnight and Australia are probing with the new ball.
