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Not considered fast by anyone's measure, New Zealand allrounder Colin de Grandhomme still proved to be his team's best bowler on day one of the Boxing Day Test.

Colin de Grandhomme's bowling might be from a bygone era, but the New Zealand allrounder keeps on getting the job done.

The 33-year-old medium-pacer was the Black Caps' best bowler on day one of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

De Grandhomme put in the hard yards as the MCG pitch flattened out after Trent Boult's opening over breakthrough on Thursday.

He sent down 21 overs and finished with figures of 2-48, including the key wicket of Marnus Labuschagne.

Boult said de Grandhomme was a valuable part of New Zealand's bowling attack.

"Obviously he's not bowling at the most express pace, but in terms of accuracy and the role he plays in the bowling attack, he's definitely a big string to our bow," Boult said.

"We can throw him the ball, like we did in the second session, and just get them going at a snail's pace.

"He's probably very, very effective in NZ conditions where it nibbles around and swings around a little bit more but he's shown that that he can deliver that same plan in other conditions.

"It was nice to see him get a couple of wickets and I'm sure he's got a lot of work to do over the next couple of days."

New Zealand will be desperate for early wickets on Friday after Australia finished at 4-257 by stumps following Black Caps captain Kane Williamson's decision to bowl first.