Oram saves Kiwis from Aussie mauling

Jacob Oram dug New Zealand out of trouble with a defiant half-century against Australia in Brisbane today. Oram was undefeated on 63 as the Kiwis recovered from a middle-order slump to end the opening day on 250 for seven.

Michael Kasprowicz claimed three wickets and Shane Warne added two more to his record haul to put the Aussies into a commanding position until Oram's battling rearguard stand.

Oram arrived with New Zealand struggling at 138 for five. He stopped the rot to notch his first Test 50 against Australia. New Zealand added 108 runs for the loss of two wickets in the final session to get back into the match.

Mathew Sinclair also scored his maiden 50 against the Aussies to prop up the top order. Meanwhile, Kasprowicz's haul included Mark Richardson, skipper Stephen Fleming and Scott Styris.

Warne then struck twice late on to reduce New Zealand to 206 for seven before Oram and Daniel Vettori added an unbeaten 44 to restore the innings.