Australia quick Mitchell Starc knocks New Zealand batsman down in Perth Test

Kiwis reduced to 109-5 after hosts make 416 in the first innings on Friday

Australia quick Mitchell Starc picked up four Kiwis wickets in the Perth Test on Friday. Getty Images

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc had New Zealand batsmen hopping around the crease as Australia took complete control of the first Test in Perth on Friday.

Starc picked up 4-31 in 11 overs of hostile pace bowling, the Kiwis succumbing to the late swing of the pink ball under lights. Captain Kane Williamson made 34 while veteran batsman Ross Taylor was batting on 66 while the rest of the line-up failed to get going.

Starc was particularly lethal as he not only got late swing but also extra bounce. Opener Tom Latham was out for a duck and as was nightwatchman Neil Wagner, while fellow opener Jeet Raval was comprehensively bowled for one.

Earlier, Australia made the visitors toil in the fierce heat during the middle session on the second day before getting out for 416.

Marnus Labuschagne (143) and Travis Head (56) top-scored, while Tim Paine made 39. New Zealand quicks Wagner and Tim Southee picked up four wickets apiece.

Australia made the most of ideal batting conditions to deflate New Zealand before cashing in on perfect bowling conditions under lights.

Even Starc hit a quick 30 to take advantage of New Zealand’s weakened attack. The visitors were forced to play without debutant pacer Lockie Ferguson, himself a replacement for injured Trent Boult. Ferguson won't bowl for the remainder of the Test after damaging his calf on the first day.

Resuming on 248-4, Labuschagne and Head were untroubled in a 76-run partnership as they took control of the match.

Head, who did not get a chance to bat in Australia's thrashing of Pakistan in Adelaide, hit 10 boundaries in his first half-century since the first Ashes Test in August.