CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, March 8, 2024 (BSSAFP) - Australia's bowlers snapped a dogged start by New Zealand to take three wickets as the Black Caps reached 71-3 at lunch on the opening day of the second Test on Friday.

Rachin Ravindra was out for four on the last ball of the morning session, leaving Kane Williamson, in his 100th Test, not out on nine.

It took Australia 90 minutes before they were able to break the opening partnership of Tom Latham and Will Young.

Young had an early let-off on eight when Travis Head spilled a hard chance close to the bat.

He went on to reach 14 before falling to a spectacular diving catch at third slip by Mitchell Marsh off a Mitchell Starc delivery.

Latham lasted a further three overs after Young's dismissal before he was dismissed for 38, with a faint edge off Josh Hazlewood gloved by Alex Carey.

It is now nearly a year since Latham, fifth on the list of the New Zealanders with the most 50s, has reached the half-century mark.

Hazlewood removal of Ravindra before the lunch break gave him figures of 2-14, while Starc has 1-36.

Australia captain Pat Cummins predictably put New Zealand in to bat when he won the toss with the Hagley Oval wicket showing plenty of green.

New Zealand captain Tim Southee, also celebrating his centenary Test, agreed it was a wicket on which to bowl first.