Justin Langer showed his fighting qualities to score an unbeaten 144 against New Zealand on Friday though it was Matthew Hayden's refusal to walk that proved the talking point of the second Test's first day.

Hayden, who scored 70 of Australia's 327 for three, stood his ground despite giving a caught and bowled chance to New Zealand off spinner Paul Wiseman.

Umpire David Shepherd referred what appeared to be a straightforward decision to third umpire Steve Davis, who then gave the batsman out.

"He (Hayden) wasn't sure and he is entitled to stick around," said Wiseman, who took two for 56 from 14 overs.

"He just said he wasn't sure whether it had gone on the ground or not and I said I thought I had caught it.

"It was pretty amicable. There were no dramas."

The issue has been back-page news in Australia for a week after wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, a noted walker, argued with Kiwi batsman Craig McMillan after McMillan refused to walk during the first Test in Brisbane. McMillan was given not out by the umpire.

Langer said: "He (Hayden) obviously thought he had crunched it into the ground. He was probably hoping it was a bump ball. I thought it was out, yes."

The 34-year-old Langer, playing in his 82nd Test, backed umpire Shepherd's decision to use video umpire Davis.

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"The umpires did the right thing. The technology is there so they should use it if they can. It just saves any issues at all," Langer said.

Langer said the Kiwis would also be tough to remove when they bat on the flat Adelaide Oval pitch.

Australia, who lead the two-match series 1-0, won the toss. Captain Ricky Ponting made 68.

"It's a very good wicket. I'm not sure it's going to crack up," Langer told a news conference.

"We are going to have to give ourselves plenty of time to get 20 New Zealand wickets."

Langer, a martial arts black belt, said his mental strength had been tested during his six-hour stint at the crease which included 19 boundaries.

"I started cramping just after lunch. That probably affected my concentration for a short period there," Langer said.

"I don't believe it was one of my best hundreds. It was more of a gritty innings.

"In terms of footwork and balance it was an excellent innings, but probably not as free-flowing as I've played before."