Michael Clarke produced a dream century but a belief-defying half-century from Glenn McGrath stole his thunder on a day of thrills at the Gabba.

Former batting bunny McGrath (54 not out from 66 balls) knocked out a punch-drunk New Zealand on one of the most memorable day's of Test cricket seen in Brisbane.

A record-breaking 216-run stand by Clarke (141 off 200) and Adam Gilchrist (126 off 151) irreversibly swung the topsy-turvy first Test Australia's way before the world champions tail stung NZ (353).

McGrath and Jason Gillespie (43 not out) applied the icing on the cake for a delirious Brisbane crowd with a record last-wicket union of 93 as Australia amassed 9-564 to hold a lead of 211 with two days to play.

"To a see Glenn McGrath make his first Test 50 that has to be the best thing I've seen in cricket," Clarke said

"Everyone except for Justin Langer had been putting their whites on (getting ready to field) when Glenn walked out to bat."

His disbelieving team-mates gave him a guard of honour and the 13,233 Gabba patrons a cheering standing ovation after stumps.

McGrath's effort to slog sweep his way to a maiden Test half-century in fading light, with five fours and his first Test six, was extraordinary.

"They think it's one of the most exciting cricket they have watched ever," the No.11 said of his team-mates reactions.

And why not? He has 29 Test ducks in his 102-Test career and had averaged a poor 6.93.

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