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Snapshot for day two of the second Test between Australia and New Zealand at the MCG.

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND, SECOND TEST, DAY ONE

Score: New Zealand (2-44) trail Australia (467) by 423 runs.

Summary: New Zealand looked to have exposed an opening when Neil Wagner bounced out Steve Smith with a sharp rising delivery, but any hopes they had of running through the tail were ended by Tim Paine and Travis Head. The pair combined for a 150-run sixth-wicket stand, with Head top-scoring with 114 in Australia's 467. Pat Cummins and James Pattinson struck late to leave New Zealand 2-44 at stumps.

Man of the moment: Travis Head. Australia claimed they considered dropping him before the match to play five bowlers but he put aside any pressure on his spot with 114. The South Australian passed 50 for the ninth time in his career but was able to turn the score into triple figures for just the second time with some patient batting after 49 minutes in the 90s.

Key moment: New Zealand needed Kane Williamson to stand up if they were going to challenge in this Test, but he fell for just nine trying to pull James Pattinson before stumps. His dismissal means Ross Taylor must help pull off a super-human effort otherwise the Black Caps will be fighting for a draw in the second innings, not a win.

Stat of the day: Tim Paine's 79 was his highest Test score in nine years and should alleviate any pressure over his future in the team.