Australia have managed to halt New Zealand's charge by taking five wickets on day two of the first Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.

The hosts began the day on 389-2, and they continued their domination by passing 500 runs before declaring on 556.

During today's innings, Australia lost Steven Smith, who was just two runs shy of claiming his half-century when he was bowled out by Trent Boult.

Usman Khawaja eventually fell to Kane Williamson following an impressive knock of 174 on his return to Test cricket, while Adam Voges finished the innings unbeaten on 83 when the decision was made to put the Black Caps into bat.

New Zealand had a mountain to climb and they suffered an early wobble when opener Martin Guptill was dismissed for just 23 off the bowling of Josh Hazelwood.

Tom Latham and Williamson managed to steady the innings by taking New Zealand from 56-1 to 100-1 before Australia unleashed an attack with the ball.

Inside four overs, Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson took two wickets apiece by claiming Latham (47), Ross Taylor (0), Brendon McCullum (6) and James Neesham (3).

Williamson refused to panic and eventually brought up his half-century, while BJ Watling managed to help close out the day on 157-5.

Watling (14*) and Williamson (55*) will return to the crease for day three.

New Zealand trail Australia by 399 runs with five wickets remaining.