Oz have upper hand

Opener Justin Langer reached his 20th Test century and guided Australia to a commanding 327-3 in sweltering heat on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand on Friday. Langer hit 19 fours in his unbeaten 144 at Adelaide Oval with Darren Lehmann the other not out batsman on 28.

Left-handers Langer and Matthew Hayden put on 137 for the first wicket, their 13th century stand, before Hayden was out for 70. Langer then shared a 103-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Ricky Ponting, who made a quickfire 68.

Damien Martyn fell to off spinner Paul Wiseman for seven at 261-3, but Australia recovered with a 66-run partnership between Langer and Lehmann.

Langer punched the air with delight and raised his bat to the dressing room upon reaching his century, turning left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori to leg for two when the Western Australian was on 99.

Brief scores

Australia 1st Innings: 327-3 J Langer batting 144, M Hayden 70, R Ponting 68; P Wiseman 2/56 vs New Zealand