Australia tighten grip on Kiwis in Brisbane Test

Australian left-arm pace duo Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc made inroads into the New Zealand batting order to put the hosts in a superior position in the first Test at Brisbane on Friday.

New Zealand made 157 for five at the close of play on the second day, with Kane Williamson and wicketkeeper B.J. Watling remaining at the crease on their respective scores of 55 and 14.

Opener Martin Guptill scored 23 before he was snapped up by David Warner off Josh Hazlewood at third slip, Sport24 reported.

Subsequently, the tourists lost four wickets in the span of 25 deliveries as Starc and Johnson wreaked havoc on New Zealanders by claiming two wickets each.

Earlier, Australia declared their first innings on 556 for four after the dismissal of Usman Khawaja (174). Adam Voges remained unbeaten on an effortless 83.

Earlier in the morning session, New Zealand suffered a setback when pace spearhead Tim Southee pulled up with a back disc injury after delivering the last ball of his 24th over.