Australia humbled by rookie Southee

Australia appeared to be suffering a hangover from their recent defeats in India as they were bowled out for 214 on the opening day of the First Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Australia got off to a dreadful start, losing three quick wickets to 20-year-old seamer Tim Southee, who finished with figures of four for 63.

The Kiwis survived five overs from Brett Lee and Stuart Clark to reach seven without loss at the close.

Daniel Vettori won a vital toss and put the Aussies in on a lively green pitch. His decision was vindicated almost immediately when Southee reduced them to 23 for three.

Playing in only his third Test, Southee dismissed Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting in his opening spell.

Hayden was the first to go, caught by Ross Taylor at first slip for eight. Katich went in Southee's next over, edging to wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum, while skipper Ponting then failed to keep down a rising delivery and looped the ball to Jamie How at second slip.

Mike Hussey fell lbw for 35 to Chris Martin, while Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson were both dismissed by Iain O'Brien, for 26 and one, respectively as the tea interval approached.
Lee was then caught behind, presenting Southee with his fourth success, and Vettori's left-arm spin accounted for Mitchell Johnson, who made just five runs.

Only Clarke offered the kind of resistance normally expected from Australia. After reaching his half-century off 136 balls, he looked set for his ninth Test hundred.