New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming reached his half-century to lead the Black Caps away from trouble in their four-day tour match against the Queensland Academy of Sport at Allan Border Field here today.

At tea on the first day, New Zealand was 5-169 with Fleming on 55 and wicketkeeper Adam Parore on seven.

The Black Caps were struggling when Nathan Astle fell without scoring to promising quick Damien Mackenzie (2-29), leaving the visitors 4-83 early in the second session of their opening tour match.

But Fleming and Craig McMillan (33) took charge of the attack with a 59-run stand which included some entertaining strokeplay.

Fleming took the gloss off emerging paceman Mitchell Johnson (1-45) when he belted the teenage paceman over the deep cover boundary during a classy knock.

McMillan looked sharp but his dismissal was poor, scooping a lazy drive to Scott O'Leary at mid-on from the bowling of James Hopes (1-56).

But the pair added some substance to an innings which was teetering after the Black Caps lost 3-14, including the wicket of opener Mark Richardson (40).

Earlier today, Queensland won the toss and sent the Black Caps in to bat in excellent conditions.

© 2001 AAP