Australia, specifically its trio of debutants, can look back fondly on the first day of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand. Bad light and rain curtailed play after 51 overs during which the tourists reached 5/176. That total represented a recovery of sorts following a top order collapse to 5/96 shortly after lunch.

Mitchell Starc took two wickets and James Pattinson one as the 21-year olds, preferred to Ben Cutting, made their first strides in Test cricket. Fellow first-gamer, David Warner, held two catches to make it a positive start to life at the top for Australia's newest inclusions. Peter Siddle, a comparative veteran with 25 Tests behind him, struck early and deserved more than his one scalp. Nathan Lyon bowled skilfully and his wicket ensured all of Australia's attack had something to celebrate.

The Kiwis, bullish following their strong performance against Australia A, were once again grateful for Daniel Vettori to steer them towards a competitive total after their top order crumbled with minimal resistance.

Martin Guptill was the first to put Ross Taylor's decision to bat first under question. The Gabba pitch looked to have plenty of moisture and with overcast conditions for much of the morning Australia's raw line up would not have been surprised to see the first wicket fall in the eleventh over. On 13, Guptill fished at a full Siddle delivery to hand Brad Haddin the simplest of chances.

Guptill's opening partner, Brendon McCullum, played his quintessential innings. Three lusty boundaries from the opening over had Australian doomsayers fearing the worst but he soon cut recklessly to point to hand Starc his debut Test wicket. The aggressive wicketkeeper made 34, a couple of runs below his Test average of 36. Both figures should be higher.

Next to fall was the highly regarded Kane Williamson. The 21-year old never looked ‘in' and it was little surprise when he popped as easy a chance as a short leg can hope to receive off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

Skipper Taylor looked in better nick but an unnecessary ugly swipe brought about his downfall, inside edging onto his timbers to guarantee Pattinson did not leave the Gabba without a tick in his wickets column. Taylor's exit for 14 meant Michael Clarke's astute rotation of his bowlers and perceptive field placings had the Black Caps four down at lunch.

That soon became five as Jesse Ryder joined the list of New Zealanders whose performance failed to live up its press. In the first over after the break the solidly built all rounder aimed a leaden footed slash at a Starc wide one that flew straight to Warner's safe hands at point.

That dismissal brought Vettori to the crease with Australian thoughts of replying before tea. Vettori had other ideas. Understated, uncomplicated, unruffled; the bespectacled former captain batted with common sense to engineer a revival. His unbeaten 45 contained just three boundaries but his ability to work the ball into gaps, however unaesthetically pleasing, was what his side required.

Vettori found able support in Perth-born Dean Brownlie. ‘Medal' as Kerry O'Keefe anointed him, should have gone on three, but Michael Clarke put down the simplest of slip catches off the bowling of Siddle and Warner shelled a much more difficult opportunity at point off Starc.

Of the two first-Test bowlers Starc looked the most at home in his venerated surroundings. His relaxed approached to the crease belies a strong, uncomplicated action and he has a welcome snarl about him too. Pattinson began shakily, not helped by being handed the first over ahead of Siddle, and was hit out of his natural full length by McCullum's early aggression.

Both were outperformed by the more established pair of Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon. Siddle was the bowler who hit the right areas most often and on another day could have put his feet up before tea with a five-for. Lyon, brought on early by Clarke, found appreciable turn and used his variations of flight and pace to good effect. Six Tests in it looks like the post-Warne spinning solution might finally have been found.

Play will begin earlier on Friday to begin to recoup the 39 overs lost to the elements.