LIVE: Smith departs moments before lunch after cautious start from ...

Matt Henry has snared New Zealand’s first breakthrough of the morning, removing Australian opener Steve Smith for 31.

Less than 15 minutes before the lunch break at Basin Reserve, Henry nipped a length delivery away from the right-handed Smith, with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell diving across the slips cordon to complete the catch.

Australia is 1-62 at lunch with Marnus Labuschagne (1*) and Usman Khawaja (28*) at the crease.

MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand vs Australia scorecard, live updates and more

Earlier, Black Caps captain Tim Southee won the toss and chose to bowl first on a green deck at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.

Khawaja survived a DRS call for an LBW shout while facing New Zealand quick Scott Kuggeleijn in the 21st over, but Hawkeye suggested the ball was missing leg stump.

Josh Hazlewood stood apart from his teammates during the national anthem as he recovers from a recent bout of Covid-19.

New Zealand are seeking a first Test victory over the top-ranked Australia team since 2011, and a first at home since 1993.

Australia enjoyed a 3-0 sweep when they hosted the most recent Test series against New Zealand, four years ago.

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New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Scott Kuggeleijn, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Will O’Rourke

Australia: Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood