Langer puts Aussies in command

Justin Langer's 20th Test century put Australia in a commanding position after the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand at Adelaide.

The left-hander was backed up by fellow opener Matthew Hayden and Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting, with both scoring half-centuries as the Australians finished the day on 327 for three.

The hosts named the same team that won the first Test of the two-match series by an innings and 156 runs in Brisbane, and Langer and Hayden got them off to a flying start, putting on 137 for the first wicket.

Ponting won the toss and elected to bat in perfect conditions at the Adelaide Oval and Langer set about the attack right from the start.

He hit the first ball of the day from Chris Martin for four and then blasted four more boundaries off the next over from James Franklin.

Langer reached his half-century before lunch and Hayden caught his opening partner soon after the break.

The pair reached their 13th century opening stand in Test-match cricket, but the partnership was broken when Hayden was caught and bowled by Paul Wiseman for 70.

Ponting joined Langer and the pair continued to pile on the runs before Ponting was dismissed shortly after tea for 68, stumped by Brendon McCullum off Daniel Vettori.

Langer then reached his century before Damien Martyn was caught by Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming for seven off Wiseman.

Darren Lehmann got off to a positive start, finishing not out on 28, and will be looking to claim his first big Test score on his home ground on day two.

Meanwhile, Langer also brought up 1,000 runs for the calendar year for the first time in his Test career as he left the field not out on 144.