Cameron Green defies critics with breathtaking century to save Aussies in New Zealand

Cameron Green has silenced some of his doubters after blasting his way to 103 not out on day one of the first Test match against New Zealand after Australia's top order was decimated. New Zealand quick Matt Henry ripped through the Aussie line-up on day one at the Basin Reserve before tea in the trans-Tasman contest, with Australia 4-147 after Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne went early.

Allrounders Mitch Marsh and Cameron Green were left with a salvage job at 4-89. Although a quick-fire Marsh 40 off 39 balls steadied the ship. Henry dismissed the allrounder, before Alex Carey went shortly after.

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Fortunately for Australia, Green saved one of his better innings for when the nation needed him the most. The 24-year-old accelerated towards his second Test century and was on 91 in the day's final over. Green smacked Will O'Rourke for two fours in his first three balls to get to 99.

After he nearly was dismissed for 99, Green then cut a wide delivery for four to celebrate his second Test ton. Australia finished the day 9-279 with Green and Josh Hazlewood set to walk out to start day two.

Green's century is without a doubt the most important knock of his career having been dropped in the recent Ashes series after a lean run of form. This summer, Green was reinstated into the Test team against the West Indies, but only managed 8, 42 and 14. Fans were thrilled for Green after the allrounder waited for his opportunity to get back into the starting XI.

New Zealand bowlers shine after slow start in first Test

Tim Southee's decision to bowl in the first cricket Test against Australia paid early dividends, with Smith, Labuschagne and Travis Head continuing worrying form slumps. Southee won the toss and sent Australia in on a green pitch on Thursday, but the gamble didn't immediately pay off.

Smith and Usman Khawaja put up a defiant 61-run partnership on the first morning, before the former failed to cash in on a solid start. Matt Henry bowled an enticing delivery outside off stump, which prompted the newly crowned opener to tentatively play a shot.

This is despite a green surface often swaying captains to bowl first in a bid to take advantage of the swing on offer. The Aussies looked fairly comfortable early, but Labuschange for just one off 27 balls, before Khawaja went for 33 and Head followed soon after for one. The Aussies were four down for less than 90, however Mitch Marsh and Cameron Green launched counter-attacks to get them out of trouble.

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