Wellington, March 20 NZPA - Marcus North reached his fourth test century as Australia declared their first innings at 459 for five on the second day of the first cricket test against New Zealand here today.

Captain Ricky Ponting closed their first innings 50 minutes into the second session at the Basin Reserve, with North unbeaten on 112 and Brad Haddin on 11.

North, playing just his 14th test, batted exactly five hours, faced 208 balls and hit 11 fours and two sixes.

The only Australian wicket to fall today was that of Michael Clarke for 168, stumped down the leg side by Brendon McCullum off captain Daniel Vettori's bowling.

Clarke batted 364 minutes and faced 253 balls, hitting 22 fours and two sixes.

Clarke and North put on 253, an Australian fifth wicket partnership record against New Zealand, beating the previous mark of 213 set by Greg Matthews and Greg Ritchie in the 1985-86 season.

Debutant Brent Arnel was the most successful New Zealand bowler with two for 89 off 26 overs, while Vettori took one for 111 off 33 and paceman Chris Martin one for 115 off 30.