New Zealand's cricketers received more than a warm-up for Friday's tri-series opener against Australia when they fell to Australia A at the Gabba tonight.

The Kiwis lost paceman Shane Bond to heat exhaustion as they sweltered in Brisbane, eventually losing by 60 runs.

In reply to Australia A's 5-282 from 50 overs, New Zealand promised a good fight before they were worn down to 222 in the 46th over.

South Australian quick Jason Gillespie made a promising return from a shoulder injury, snaring 1-17 from six overs.

Gillespie was among the group of Australian bowlers rejoicing when New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and bowled in temperatures hitting 37 degrees.

The decision did not agree with Bond, who sent down four overs before he was taken to hospital. The Christchurch policeman struggled with heat problems on his last visit to India but team physiotherapist Dayle Shackel rated him a chance of playing on Friday.

He returned from hospital to bat tonight after the New Zealand run chase had ground to a halt.

The tourists looked promising while Chris Cairns (32 from 30 balls) and Craig McMillan (67 from 84) hit Test spinner Stuart MacGill into the northern stand. MacGill was pasted for 71 from his 10 overs, but he claimed three wickets as the Black Caps folded.

Australia A captain Darren Lehmann was the surprise bowling weapon, using his spin to put the brakes on the Black Caps and some minor concerns into their camp before the tri-series that also features South Africa.

Lehmann's two spells produced figures of 1-27 from eight overs adding to a mature performance with the bat.

The left-hander was the only Australian batsman to reach 50 before he was run out seconds later attempting a second run.

He was out when Scott Styris scored a direct hit from long-on, before the ball deflected from the bails into the throat of New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore, who dropped like a lead weight.

Parore recovered, but the Kiwis didn't.

They were unable to contain Australia A's batsmen after Ryan Campbell and Jimmy Maher gave the home team a flying start.

Campbell (46), Maher (42), Greg Blewett (42) and Simon Katich (47) fell before their half-centuries.

All-rounder Shane Watson (18 not out) hit Cairns over the fence during a handy partnership with Mike Hussey (28 not out) which put Australia A out of reach.

Australia A meets South Africa in Adelaide on Thursday while the New Zealanders head to Melbourne tomorrow.

© 2002 AAP