After being thrashed 5-0 in the one-dayers, the Black Caps needed something special to lift them in the first Test at Christchurch. And that special something came from New Zealand's latest batting sensation Hamish Marshall, who smashed his maiden Test century, playing only in his third Test. But Glenn McGrath brought the visitors back into the game, claiming the last six wickets in quick succession. At the end of day two, the Test was on an even keel with Australia reaching 141/3 in reply to the Kiwis' 433.

Australia could have restricted New Zealand further but for some unusual butter -fingers in the field. Stephen Fleming was one of the beneficiaries when Justin Langer, fielding at slip, put down the opposition captain of McGrath early in the innings. The ever-reliable Shane Warne repeated the dose when he failed to latch on to a simple chance offered by debutant opener Craig Cumming. McGrath was the unlucky bowler once again.

While Fleming could not make use of the opportunity provided to him falling leg before to Warne for 18, Cumming went on to play a crucial knock for his team and in the company of Hamish Marshall put the home side in a position of strength. Both Cumming and Marshall batted sensibly without providing any more chances. Though the runs were not flowing, the duo made sure they set a good platform for the batsmen to follow. In the process, Cumming went on to register a half-century in his first hit in Test cricket. Looking set for a ton on debut, he mistimed a pull of Kasprowicz straight into the hands of Gillespie positioned exactly for that stroke. Cumming fell into the trap laid by the Aussies but by performing well against the best, he gave the Kiwi selectors enough indication that he could be the one to replace the recently retired Mark Richardson at the top of the order.

Cumming's departure brought Lou Vincent, making a comeback to the team, to the crease. Vincent impressed big time during New Zealand's tour Down Under a couple of years back notching a century opening the innings. But of late he has not found favour with the men who matter owing to his inconsistent performances. With many in the middle-order on the injury list, Vincent got yet another opportunity to prove his mettle. And he began well with a few well-timed strokes. But just when he seemed to be settling down, the man with the 'golden arm' Michael Clarke struck getting Vincent leg before. The comeback man was dismissed for 27 and the Aussies got a sniff into the game.

Atsle was coming off from an injury and the batsmen to follow weren't in the greatest of nick. But Hamish Marshall held fort and frustrated the Aussies all day. Soon Astle too began to find his feet as the two took New Zealand to the end of the first day's play. Marshall, in the process, notched his maiden Test ton with a smashing cut. So after all the humiliation of the 5-0 drubbing in the ODI's, the Black Caps finally played to their potential and held the Aussie bowlers at bay. The fact that almost all the Aussie players congratulated Hamish on his wonderful effort speaks volumes for the quality of innings the curly haired lad played.

But it was important for the Kiwis to capitalise on their great start. And things began well for the home team on day two with both Marshall and Astle looking in ominous touch. Things were getting out of control for the World Champions when 'spin wizard' Shane Warne weaved his magic. Warnie got Marshall four short of his 150 bowled round his legs with a beauty. It needed a great delivery from someone to get rid of the exceptionally talented Kiwi bat and who better that spin king Warne himself. But by the time Hamish departed, he had done enough to make him and his country proud.
 

It was all in the hands of the lower order to build on Marshall's marathon effort. Things didn't quite turn out that way though. After Warne provided Australia with the opening in the door, Mcgrath took over and blew away the Kiwi lower order. Mcmillan played a couple of delightful strokes before he nicked one to Gilchrist. Astle reached a well deserved half-century but on 74 he too fell victim to McGrath's toe crushing yorker which had him plumb in front.
 

McCullun and Vettori made useful contributions to help New Zealand reach 433. But after being 265/3 at the end of day one, they certainly should have scored in excess of 500. McGrath though had other plans and before the Kiwis knew what had rocked them, the whole side was back in the pavilion. It wasn't a surprise as Australia have done it time and again in the past.

After McGrath had done his job, the responsibility of giving the team a good start lay with the dangerous opening pair of Hayden and Langer. The two began well and were looking threatening when James Franklin dealt Australia with a crucial blow pegging back Langer's stumps. It was sweet revenge for Franklin who had a torrid time against Langer some time back. His opening Hayden too got a start but on 35 nicked another debuatant Ian O'Brian only for Astle to take a brilliant catch at slip going to his wrong side.

For a change, Australia were under a bit of pressure chasing a big total. And it was important they went to stumps without any further damage in the wickets column. But luck seemed to be favouring Daniel Vettori this day. After many close calls going against him in the one dayers, Damien Martyn was adjudged leg before to him just minutes before the close of play when replays clearly proved that he had hit the ball. Night watchman Jason Gillespie was giving Ponting undefeated on 41 at the end of day two. This partnership could prove crucial as the tall fast bowler has been batting really well of late and can be an able ally for his skipper.

The result of this Test will depend to a great extent on how well Australia bat in their first innings. If the Kiwis can get them out quickly, they can put the World Champs under big pressure. But for that the bowlers will have to be bang on target. It is a tough task. But so is Test cricket. Especially when the opponent is Australia.