Australia play game of patience

Mathew Sinclair made Australia work hard for his wicket

Paceman Michael Kasprowicz justified Australia's decision to retain him in the team ahead of Brett Lee by taking 3-54 against New Zealand in Brisbane.

The tourists recovered to reach 250-7 on day one after local boy Kasprowicz had reduced them to 77-3.

"The New Zealanders are known for being pretty patient players. It's the way they bowl and bat," he said.

"For us that's a strength as well in knowing that if we did build up pressure, the chances would come."

Kasprowicz added: "The job's not done yet but the general feeling with us is that it was a pretty satisfying day because it was an excellent batting wicket out there.

"When they were seven down I suppose you feel like you should just roll through the last three wickets, but their batting does go down a long way and they've got some very good players."

It would have been a lot worse for the Kiwis but for battling innings from Mathew Sinclair and Jacob Oram.

Sinclair, who made a double century in his debut Test five years ago but has only played 22 more since then, survived for three and three quarter hours for 69.

He was given out caught at second slip by Ricky Ponting after the TV umpire had scrutinised the dismissal to make sure it had been taken cleanly.

"I respected the decision of the umpire. I wasn't sure what had actually happened, so I just stood my ground and when I was given out I walked off.

"It was a goal for me to go out there and do well against an Australian side.

"Patience was definitely the key but for me personally it was a bit disappointing that I didn't capitalise and go on and make a bigger score," Sinclair commented.

"This is day one of a five-dayer and this is building towards a very good Test match.

"We've got a good building block and we've still got some good batsmen to come in."