CAMERON Green brought up his second Test century in a dramatic end to day one of Australia’s red ball clash with New Zealand today. The West Australian allrounder blasted three boundaries off the final over to reach triple-figures as his side batted to stumps at 9-279 in Wellington.

Sent in to bat by Kiwi captain Tim Southee on a green-tinged Basin Reserve wicket, the tourists were faced by a four-pronged home seam attack. The opening session was navigated with caution, yielding 62 runs for the loss of just one wicket – Steve Smith (31).

Things began to open up in the middle session as the visitors fell to 4-89, with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head dismissed for a single run apiece. Their demises brought together Green and Mitch Marsh, who consolidated for an innings-high 67-run partnership.

Marsh made scoring runs look considerably more easy than his teammates, quickly posting 40 off 39 balls. His aggression allowed Green to get into his work at the other end, and the 24-year-old soon became Australia’s rock at number four.

Having been relatively patient as wickets fell around him, Green was forced to get after it in the final set of six with only Josh Hazlewood left to partner him and time ticking away. His century was brought up in 154 deliveries, needing just 46 to go from 50 to 100.

Should captain Pat Cummins opt against an overnight declaration, Australia will resume play on day two with Green on 103 and Hazlewood yet to face a delivery. Matt Henry (4-43) is in line for a five-wicket haul should that be the case, in his return from injury.

SCORECARD

Stumps, Day 1
Basin Reserve, Wellington

New Zealand won the toss & elected to bowl

1st Innings: Australia 9-279 (85.0)
Cameron Green 103* (155), Mitch Marsh 40 (39), Usman Khawaja 33 (118)
Matt Henry 4-43 (20), Scott Kuggeleijn 2-56 (17), Will O’Rourke 2-59 (20)

Session Breakdown
1st: Australia 1-62 (27.0)
2nd: Australia 3-85 (26.0)
3rd: Australia 5-132 (32.0)