BRISBANE (Reuters)
New Zealand's morale before the Test series against Australia has improved after Chris Cairns took five wickets against Queensland and spinner Daniel Vettori indicated he would be fit for the first Test.

Pace bowler Cairns, who has lacked rhythm with the ball following his return from a serious knee injury, took 5 for 71 from 22 overs at Brisbane to help dismiss Queensland for 347. Australian Test opener Matthew Hayden made 97.

The New Zealanders were 53 for 3 in reply, an overall lead of 150, at the close of the third and penultimate day of the touring side's final warm-up match.

The first Test in the three-match series against Australia starts at Brisbane on Thursday.

Vettori, who was stretchered off with a torn ankle ligament against an Australian Capital Territory Invitational side on October 21 and flown home to New Zealand, launched his comeback on Friday with four wickets for a New Zealand Academy side against the State Auckland Aces in Christchurch.

He rejoined the team in Brisbane on Saturday and said he was confident of making the first Test. "There is a little bit of uncertainty in my head, but I'm confident about getting through the bowling," said Vettori. "It's the other things I have to be nervous about, and the true test will be a full day in the field. But I would love to play and I'm reasonably confident."

Vettori, 22, has only just returned after a year out of Test cricket with back problems. He has taken 106 wickets in 31 Tests, and has a good record against Australia, with 20 wickets at an average of 26.40.

A New Zealand team spokesman said Vettori's progress would be monitored daily.

Nathan Astle, who made 223 in New Zealand's 444 for 9 declared on Friday before suffering a groin strain, did not field on Saturday, but an ABC radio report said team officials were confident that he would be fit to play in the first test.

ABC Radio also reported that Vettori looked tentative during some fitness drills on the ground during a break in play on Saturday.

Mathew Sinclair (17) and Craig McMillan (20) will be looking for quick runs when play resumes at the Gabba on Sunday, after sharing an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 44.

The New Zealanders were earlier reeling at 9 for 3 after Andrew Bichel (2 for 14) and Michael Kasprowicz removed Mark Richardson, Matthew Bell and captain Stephen Fleming cheaply.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd