Brisbane, November 20:

Michael Clarke saved Australia from total collapse as they were dismissed for 214 on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Clarke was the last man out, bowled by Jesse Ryder, after batting for almost five hours to make 98. Australia were reduced to 23-3 by seamer Tim Southee at the start of play and the youngster finished with 4-63. New Zealand survived five overs to reach 7-0 at close.

Southee, playing in only his third Test, picked up the biggest Australian scalp of all when he removed skipper Ricky Ponting (4). The home side managed to halt the slide temporarily as Clarke and Mike Hussey added 73. But Hussey (35) fell lbw to Chris Martin and the dismissal of Andrew Symonds (26) sparked another slump.