Pattinson no-ball costly for Australia

James Pattinson's no-ball woes continued on the opening day of the second Test between Australia and New Zealand, with the paceman missing out on the prized wicket of Brendon McCullum after overstepping again.

Mitch Marsh hauled in an outstanding catch in the gully, flying high and to his right to snare the grab. However, the New Zealand skipper was given a reprieve on 39 courtesy of the Australia paceman.

McCullum's let off followed two similar incidents in the Boxing Day Test, when Pattinson twice overstepped in Melbourne to reprieve West Indian batsman Carlos Brathwaite. 

On Friday, Pattinson declared he had been working hard on not overstepping and was confident he would be able to get rid of his recent no-ball woes.

"I've done a fair bit of work on it," Pattinson said. 

"I played that (recent Sheffield) Shield game and my foot was well behind the line by all reports, from the umpires. 

"I'm feeling pretty good." 

Quick Single: Pattinson over his no-ball woes

But he may have a bit more work to do yet, if the McCullum non-dismissal is any indication.

The issue first arose during Australia's Test series against West Indies last year, when Pattinson was twice called for overstepping.

It didn't harm Australia in that series as they re-claimed the Frank Worrell Trophy with ease, but proved costly with McCullum smashing a new world record for the fastest Test century.

However, off-spinner Nathan Lyon came to Pattinson's defence after play on day one, insisting the paceman would bounce back in the second innings. 

"It's easy for you guys to sit here and say get your foot behind the front line," Lyon said.

"But you've got to play in front of a full crowd. There's a lot of adrenaline going.

"Nobody means to make a mistake, whether that's dropping catches, nicking balls or bowling a no-ball.

"I've got all the faith in the world that James can come out there and blow this game apart in the second innings.

"He is a talented bowler. His adrenaline probably got up too high and he overstepped the mark.

"We're going to be right behind James and he's got a big role to do for us in the second innings."

Quick Single: McCullum's blazing ton a triumph of tactics

McCullum revealed his side had discussed Australia's habit of pushing the line.

"We talked about that they do push the front line a little bit. You're always hopeful," he said.

"He's obviously had a few wickets this summer where he's overstepped.

"It's one thing to do it at training and get away with it but it can have quite major consequences out in the middle.

"I'm sure he was pretty upset about it."