New Zealand has struggled for wickets during a tough morning session on the third day of its cricket tour opener against a Queensland Academy of Sport XI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

Declaring its innings closed at eight for 297 this morning, the Kiwis had to wait almost two hours before getting a crack at its opposition due to a soggy outfield.

At lunch the QAS side battled to two for 66 with opener Daniel Payne leading the way with 21.

New Zealand failed to cash-in on an early breakthrough when paceman Daryl Tuffey removed opener Chris Simpson lbw with just six runs on the board.

The pick of the New Zealand bowlers was Auckland's Dion Nash who had the figures of 1-5 at lunch.

© 2001 AAP