Australia’s return wasn’t the morale-boosting affair they’d have hoped, with New Zealand having the better of the opening day of the home summer at the Gabba.

The number one ranked side in the world was rolled for just 214, after visiting captain Dan Vettori had - perhaps bravely, given previous toss decisions at the Gabba - sent them in on a pitch that had an unmistakably green tinge.

Unlike with Nasser Hussein’s infamous call in 2002, however, this pitch did offer more than just a token amount of assistance. A week of severe storms not only had damaged part of the grandstand but also created the ideal environment for seamers to operate.

19-year-old Tim Southee, who edged out the more experienced Kyle Mills for a starting spot, was particularly effective. Armed with prodigious swing, Southee decimated Australia’s top order: by the 8th over, the youngster had removed Matt Hayden, Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting.

The triple strike left Australia reeling at 3 for 23, in front of a Brisbane crowd that had already experienced its weekly quota of disasters. Parts of the city have been declared natural disaster areas and, had it not been for a resolute 98 from Michael Clarke, Australia’s first innings scorecard could have been added to the list.

Clarke’s first century on Australian soil was against the same opposition in Brisbane and he came within two runs of his ninth Test ton. Michael Hussey (35) and a repentant Andy Symonds (26) were the only Australians to provide much assistance - this was despite Australia’s unusually deep batting line-up, with both Shane Watson and Symonds included.

As Clarke approached the milestone he was running out of partners. Stuart Clark managed an unbeaten 40-ball vigil to help his almost-namesake get over the line but it wasn’t to be: Clarke himself was the final wicket, beaten by Jesse Ryder’s medium pace while attempting a drive. He’d be forgiven for smashing a toilet window in frustration.

Clarke wasn’t the only victim of Ryder’s part-time seamers. Brad Haddin’s unconvincing form with the bat continued thanks to an unnecessarily extravagant shot at a time when Australia needed restraint. Haddin waited a long time for his chance as keeper-of-choice but if he’s not careful, his tenure will be brief.

Just how much of a role the pitch played in Australia’s modest total will become clear tomorrow, but Clarke maintains that 214 is competitive. “With 214 on the board I thought we did pretty well,” he said. “We hung in there and stuck it out on that wicket. If we bowl well tomorrow I think you’ll find it’s a very competitive total.”

New Zealand’s opening pairing of Aaron Redmond and Jamie How navigated a tricky five over period to get through to stumps unscathed but, with yet another severe storm predicted for Thursday night, it seems their true test will be tomorrow.

In association with SPIN Magazine.