Cricket: NZ fights back as Katich rides luck

Australian opener Simon Katich survived two missed chances as New Zealand fought back in the second session of the first cricket test here today.

The tourists, who chose to bat first on winning the toss, lost two for 70 in the middle session as they went to the tea break on 163 for three on day one at a sun-drenched Basin Reserve.

Katich reached his 21st test half-century to be 74 not out not out at tea, while vice-captain Michael Clarke was unbeaten on nine after 77 minutes at the crease.

But it could have been so much better for New Zealand who made two fielding blunders late in the session.

On 68, Katich got a big inside edge to Tim Southee and gloveman Brendon McCullum dived to his right but put down the sharp chance.

Then, on 70, Katich slog-swept at captain Daniel Vettori and despite making good ground from mid-on, Daryl Tuffey couldn't quite grasp the skier.

New Zealand opener BJ Watling was heavily involved in the key wickets of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey in quick succession after Australia were well poised on 104 for one.

On 41, Ponting was called through by Katich who pushed to cover and Watling pounced, his direct hit underarm return catching the Australian captain well short.

Hussey was promoted to No 4 ahead of Clarke but only scored four off 11 balls before he drove at a Chris Martin outswinger and Watling held the low chance to his right at third slip.

Martin had figures of one for 37 at tea while debutant Brent Arnel, who took Phil Hughes' wicket with his fifth ball, had one for 36. Vettori sent down 14 wicketless overs for 34 while Tuffey was impressive, conceding 13 off 10 overs.

Clarke, who arrived to a warm reception after his much-publicised relationship dramas, was extremely watchful and took 16 deliveries to get off the mark.

Katich had faced 179 balls, batted 243 minutes and hit seven fours and a six at the interval.