Kiwi batsmen dig deep in final session

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The Black Caps closed on 262 for six with an unbeaten final-session partnership worth 34 between Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori giving the tourists hope heading into the weekend.

McCullum (30 not out) smashed a six through cover early in his knock but played with more control as the afternoon progressed, while Vettori (12no) started his innings in cautious fashion and took 17 minutes to get off the mark.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Vettori said a total of 350 would be the pass mark for his team. It means he and his deputy have plenty of work ahead of them if they are to achieve that target.

Australia, meanwhile, will head into day two knowing they are one wicket away from bowling at a tail which produced just 30 runs in two innings at the Gabba.

Nathan Hauritz, who was brought into the side after Jason Krejza injured his ankle on Wednesday during a training drill, finished with two for 63, while Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson and Andrew Symonds chipped in with a wicket each.

Johnson was the most effective quick, bowling with rhythm and finding the edge on several occasions.