McGrath's afternoon blitz finished off New Zealand

New Zealand remain in a good position in the first Test against Australia in Christchurch despite a superb spell of pace bowling by Glenn McGrath.

McGrath claimed 6-115, including five wickets in the afternoon, as the Kiwis slipped from 330-3 to 433 all out.

Hamish Marshall took his score on to 146 and Nathan Astle made 74, before the tourists were reduced to 74-2.

Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn put on 66 before Daniel Vettori had the latter leg before as Australia ended on 141-3.

Marshall, who notched his maiden Test century on day one, was impressive early on the second morning, striking nine boundaries before Shane Warne made one cut back round his legs and took out his middle stump.

We just toiled away and to pick up three wickets we're happy with the day Nathan Astle More reaction

McMillan became McGrath's first victim when he edged to Gilchrist just before lunch but New Zealand were still sitting pretty on 362-5.

But McGrath was inspired after the interval, polishing off the home side in little over an hour.

Astle was the first to go, trapped in front with a ball that swung in sharply from outside off stump.

Brendon McCullum was hit twice on the forearm with short-pitched balls, before being caught at cover by Justin Langer.

James Franklin, Iain O'Brien and Chris Martin departed in a hurry as McGrath wrapped up the 26th five-wicket Test haul of his career.

Astle's diving catch accounted for Hayden

Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden began the Australian reply briskly, scoring at four an over as they took advantage of a good pitch and some wayward bowling to put on 48.

Franklin bowled a good line, however, and was rewarded when Langer dragged a ball onto his stumps.

Hayden had a lifeline on eight when he hooked a Chris Martin delivery that was superbly caught one-handed by Craig Cumming.

The matter was referred to third umpire Tony Hill but, after viewing several replays, he ruled in Hayden's favour.

After stroking six fours, however, the opener was dismissed by debutant Iain O'Brien, edging to second slip were Astle dived to hold on.

Ponting and Martyn looked in good nick before there was more controversy when a flighted Vettori delivery rapped Martyn on the pads.

English umpire David Shepherd put his finger up but TV replays showed the ball had come off an inside edge.

Nightwatchman Jason Gillespie survived five balls but New Zealand will be hoping to make early inroads on Saturday.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Cumming, Hamish Marshall, Lou Vincent, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien.

Umpires: Aleem Dar, Pakistan; David Shepherd, England.