For all the consternation over the properties of the revolutionary pink ball, the worries over its durability has resulted in the production of a pitch more in line with the traditional values of Test cricket. The grassier deck, though by no means a green monster, would have been a refreshing change for Australia's attack after toiling on batting paradises with mixed results in Brisbane and Perth.

Mitchell Starc, earmarked by Steve Smith as Australia's new pace spearhead, answered his captain's call by taking three wickets, including the big scalps of Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum. While the Black Caps batsmen could not point to the track for their demise there was just enough encouragement for Smith's bowlers if they hit the right lengths.

This may have been the first time the combination of Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon have played together but it did not show in the way they performed. They say batting is about partnerships and so too bowling. Their ability to complement each other was the chief reason the Black Caps, after winning the toss, were battling on 6-142 shortly before the dinner interval on the first day.

This was a first-class start by an attack which has lost its two most accomplished bowlers in the past six months. The silver lining in Johnson's retirement may be the added balance it gives Australia's pace attack, with Starc's raw pace providing the point of difference to Hazlewood and Siddle's control.

Starc bowled consistently in the mid 140s though appeared to be troubled by his persistent foot issue.

"He's not overly comfortable when that front foot plants down," former Australian Test captain Mark Taylor said on the broadcast. "It would not be easy for any fast bowler, particularly a big tall man like  Mitchell Starc.

"The weight and force that goes through that front ankle, firstly when you bang it down to bowl and then when you actually try to get your balance in that second follow through step. Once again he bangs it down pretty hard."

Starc's bowling in tandem with Siddle was instrumental in prising the key wicket of Kane Williamson, whose run of  first-innings tons came to a halt.

The Black Caps had been adamant Australia's tactic of boring their gun batsmen out would not work, but the hosts had the last laugh.

Williamson's wicket did not fall to Siddle but the Victorian could claim a considerable part in the Kiwi No.3's demise. The Black Caps batting ace had breezed to 19 at a run a ball but then hit the roadblock planted by Siddle, who though no longer bowls at the high speeds of yesteryear still retains immaculate control.

Held scoreless for 15 balls on the trot, Williamson then failed to dig out Starc's trademark yorker and was trapped plum in front for 22.

While much has been said about the impact the night session would have, the game changed markedly in the middle session after Nathan Lyon enticed a false shot from Tom Latham, who was brilliantly caught behind by Peter Nevill.

The Kiwis slumped further into the mire when Brendon McCullum was caught behind, again by Nevill, after playing a wild slash to Starc.