Australia registered a dominating 316/4 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand at Wellington. Michael Clarke emerged as the wrecker-in-charge for the Aussies right in time.

He was given apt support by Marcus North who slammed a gutsy fifty. Brent Arnel did manage to get two wickets in the form of Phillip Hughes (20) and Simon Katich (82), but it was not enough to put pressure on the Australians.

Skipper Ricky Ponting looked good during his 41-run stay at the turf but was unfortunately run out just when he had set his eyes on another Test century.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who was wicketless on the first day, would look for early breakthroughs in the first session of Day 2 or his hopes of earning an edge in the Test rubber would vanish instantly.

Tags: Maul Kiwis On Day 1, Wellington Test:Clarke-North