Boult surprised by Aussies' reverse

New Zealand paceman Trent Boult was impressed with the reverse-swing produced by Australia in the first Test, saying his side should learn from the tourists.

Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird all had the old ball hooping during NZ's second innings in Wellington, helping Australia cruise to victory.

Recap: Australia thump Black Caps in first Test

Boult, regarded as one of the best swing bowlers in the world, felt there were lessons in it for both the Black Caps' batsmen and bowlers. 

"We didn't get it to go at all," he said.

"They got it to go nicely and it worked very effectively for them.

"It was pretty surprising.

"We could learn a thing or two from them in regards to if nothing is happening on a flat wicket, then how valuable reverse-swing is.

"They did that nicely, but I'm not sure how much we'll see of that down at Hagley Oval."

The second Test starts on Saturday in Christchurch, where both sides are fully expecting a green seamer.

"It's very green down there and a massive green outfield. We'll look at it (using reverse-swing) but I can't promise it," Boult said. 

Reverse-swing is elusive but often creates havoc when bowlers get it right.

It generally has as much to do with conditions as it does a paceman's technique.

"We got lucky, someone hit a cut shot and it really scuffed up one side of the ball," Australia skipper Steve Smith said.

"So that really got it started for us."

Boult added his side had to learn from every aspect of the innings-and-52-run loss at the Basin Reserve.

"They're the best team in the world for a reason and this is what you play for, to play against the best teams and perform against the best players," he said.

"We've been in this situation before. We're looking forward to hopefully levelling the series."