Cricket: Oram improves outlook for Black Caps

8.20pm

UPDATE - An unbeaten half-century from Jacob Oram lifted New Zealand to 250 for seven at stumps on the first day of the first cricket test against Australia at the Gabba here today.

Playing his first test against Australia, the giant allrounder was 63 not out at the close, with Daniel Vettori on 13 as the tourists avoided the embarrassment of being dismissed inside the first day.

It was Oram's fifth test half-century in his 16th match after New Zealand were staggering at 142 for five at tea, having won the toss.

Opener Mathew Sinclair was the other key contributor with 69.

Paceman Michael Kasprowicz had the best Australian bowling figures on his home ground, ending with three for 54 off 20 overs.

Earlier, A second devastating double blow jeopardised New Zealand's prospects of building a challenging total in the first cricket test against Australia at the Gabba here today.

The Black Caps, thanks to Mathew Sinclair's maiden half-century against Australia, had consolidated after the early loss of Mark Richardson and Stephen Fleming, but two wickets in four balls with the score at 138 put Australia firmly in control at tea.

New Zealand were battling at 145 for five, with Craig McMillan on three and Jacob Oram not out on one.

Resuming after lunch on 67 for two, Scott Styris was an early casualty when caught behind by Adam Gilchrist for 27 off Michael Kasprowicz, but Astle and Sinclair brought up a 50-run stand in 108 balls to keep New Zealand afloat.

Astle was dropped by Darren Lehmann and Kasprowicz respectively when on 16 and 18, but could not make the Australians pay.

A run later he was caught short by a Michael Clarke direct hit after a less than urgent run between the wickets -- an unnecessary end to a valuable 61-run union.

New Zealand lost Richardson for 19 and Fleming without scoring in the space of four balls with the score at 26.

And unfortunately for the tourists, lightning struck twice when Sinclair was caught at second slip by Ricky Ponting for 69 to give Jason Gillespie his first scalp, three balls after Astle trooped off.

Australian third umpire Peter Parker gave Sinclair out, though replays suggested the ball may have touched the ground as the Australian skipper's fingers connected.

Sinclair's demise could prove a mortal blow for the tourists as he traditionally constructs big innings after passing 50.


He batted for 229 minutes and struck nine fours -- a mixture of sublime drives and edgy boundaries through the slips cordon.

Paceman Glenn McGrath bowled aggressively but without luck.

Sinclair reached 50 with a french cut to the fence off McGrath and the veteran was on the receiving end when Astle was grassed at deep backward square by Lehmann when the score was 117.

Kasprowicz led the Australian attack with three for 40.
- NZPA