New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to remove David Warner just for 43 as Australia reached 76-2 at the first interval in the series-opening day-night test.
Opener Warner was coming off back-to-back centuries against Pakistan, including an unbeaten 335 not out in Adelaide 10 days ago. He stroked four boundaries and faced 74 balls before hitting a full toss back to Wagner, who took a sharp one-handed catch to his right.
Marcus Labuschagne, who also posted big back-to-back centuries in Australia’s 2-0 series sweep of Pakistan, was on 15 not out and Steve Smith yet to score.
New Zealand's Neil Wagner celebrates catching Australia's David Warner during play in their cricket test in Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. (AP PhotoTrevor Collens)
Warner’s wicket was a timely breakthrough for New Zealand after Wagner replaced left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and struck with the fourth ball of his second spell.
On a wicket that offered little assistance to the New Zealand bowlers, Warner and fellow opener Joe Burns shared 40 runs in the first hour after Australia won the toss and batted, before swing bowler Colin de Grandhomme struck.
Burns (9) was adjudged lbw by umpire Aleem Dar, who was officiating in a record 129 test match. He failed to review the decision as he hit across the line, but replays showed the delivery missing leg stump.
Australia's David Warner bats as New Zealand's BJ Watling looks on during play in their cricket test in Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. (AP PhotoTrevor Collens)
While Australia named an unchanged lineup from the innings and 48 runs win over Pakistan in Adelaide, New Zealand capped 28-year-old fast bowler Lokie Ferguson for his test debut.
New Zealand went into the test without left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult, who is still nursing a side strain.
The first three days of the match are expected to be hot, with the temperature forecast to hit 40 Celsius (104F).
Australia's David Warner, left, and New Zealand's BJ Watling share a laugh after they both lost sight of the ball during play in their cricket test in Perth, Australia, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. (AP PhotoTrevor Collens)
Australia is unbeaten in six day-night test matches, which are played with a pink ball.
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