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New Zealand are on the ropes in the first Test against Australia, but the Kiwis are determined to scrap their way out of trouble.

New Zealand will be aiming to produce some trademark scrap when the day-night Test against Australia resumes at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

The Kiwis are in big trouble at 5-109 in reply to hosts' 416, with Ross Taylor (66, not out) and BJ Watling (0, not out) holding the key to NZ's hopes of dragging themselves back into the contest.

Watling produced scores of 205 and 55 to help NZ secure a 1-0 series win over England recently.

Taylor posted an unbeaten 105 in the second Test of that series to help the Kiwis salvage a series-winning draw.

NZ paceman Tim Southee has faith that the duo can drag their side back into the contest against Australia.

"We've got a couple of scrappers in there and a few to come, so we'll keep scrapping away," Southee said.

"There's a lot of belief in the side.

"We've got two guys in there at the moment who are coming off a good series against England. Hopefully that can flow over into this series.

"And hopefully daytime the batting conditions can be slightly better

"We knew (Friday night) was going to be tough with the lights and the new ball, but there's plenty of scrap to come."

Both teams are down a bowler.

Debutant Kiwi paceman Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of bowling for the rest of the match because of a calf injury.

And Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood limped off with a hamstring injury after bowling less than two overs on Friday.

Scans will determine whether Hazlewood can bowl again during the match.