Australia coach John Buchanan reckons his side can still beat New Zealand after the first day of the second Test was washed out by rain.

The prospect of play on the second day in Wellington looks doubtful but Buchanan said three days is enough.

Buchanan said: "The first Test was completed in about 345 overs. If we can get around 300 overs that still gives a real opportunity of a result.

"If we play good cricket, we always give ourselves a chance of a result."

Australia, who have retained the same XI from their nine-wicket win in the first Test, have barely gone past the fourth day in their six Test victories over New Zealand and Pakistan this season.

In Brisbane in November, New Zealand just staggered past lunch on the fourth day as they collapsed for 76 in their second innings. In Adelaide, New Zealand just made it to day five only after Australia opted not to enforce the follow on.

New Zealand have delayed naming their 12th man until the toss and will decide whether to go with off-spinner Paul Wiseman or paceman Iain O'Brien.