New Zealand claimed two early wickets before rain forced umpires to call an early lunch break on the opening day of the three-day tour match against the Queensland Academy of Sport at Allan Border Field.

After winning the toss and batting, the QAS were 2-20 after just 50 minutes of play were possible after rain periods throughout the morning.

Chris Cairns (1-5) and Daryl Tuffey (1-13) took the wickets, with Cairns removing Duncan Betts with the first ball of the match when the rookie was trapped LBW without offering a shot.

Matthew Lunn made six before he popped a catch to Mark Richardson at short leg during slow going for the home team.

New Zealand named a strong team, resting batsman Mathew Sinclair while naming spinners Glen Sulzberger and Paul Wiseman.

© 2001 AAP