(Reuters) - All-rounder Cameron Green thwarted New Zealand with a sparkling, unbeaten century after the hosts' seamers threatened to dominate the opening day of the first test against Australia in Wellington on Thursday.

Running out of batting partners, Green brought up his second test ton on the penultimate ball of the day, smashing rookie seamer Will O'Rourke past backward point to the fence as Australia went to stumps at 279 for nine at the Basin Reserve.