The match report covers the first day of the first Test between New Zealand and Australia at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on February 29, 2024. New Zealand captain Tim Southee won the toss and bowled first on a green surface in overcast conditions. Australia, unchanged from their last Test against the West Indies, started well, with Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja putting on 72 runs for the first wicket.
However, New Zealand fought back in the final session, taking six wickets for 154 runs. Labuschagne was dismissed for 83, and Green followed soon after, caught by Glenn Phillips off Southee for 56. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh tried to rebuild, but both fell to William O’Rourke, who took three wickets in his debut Test.
Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc added some late runs, but New Zealand wrapped up the innings for 383 in 115.1 overs. New Zealand faced eight overs before stumps, losing both their openers in quick succession. Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra survived till the end of the day, taking New Zealand to 23 for 2. They still trail by 360 runs, with eight wickets in hand.