Kiwis on the ropes in first Test against Australia

Wellington: New Zealand face an uphill battle to avoid defeat in the first Test against Australia at Basin Reserve.

The Black Caps reached 4 for 108 in their first innings at stumps on Day Two, trailing Australia by 351 runs.

Captain Daniel Vettori was not out on 42 and Martin Guptill was on 19 at close of play, the pair providing the only highlight of the home side's reply so far with an unbeaten 65-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Australia declared its first innings at 5 for 459 during the second session with centuries to Michael Clarke (168) and Marcus North (112 not out).