Jess Jonassen's unbeaten 95 on her Test debut frustrated England as Australia finished day one of the Women's Ashes Test on 268-8 in Canterbury.
Seamer Anya Shrubsole's four wickets in 27 balls reduced the Southern Stars from 66-0 to 99-5.
But Queensland all-rounder Jonassen made her mark with a steady display.
She shared half-century partnerships with Alyssa Healy and fellow debutant Kristen Beams to give Australia the upper hand.
The visitors lead the seven-match Ashes series four points to two, having won the three game One Day International series 2-1.
Only four points will be awarded for a victory in the four-day Test this year, with three Twenty20s to follow.
On-song Shrubsole
Having claimed just one wicket in the three ODIs, Shrubsole produced some of her best bowling of the series.
The 23-year-old struck in the third over of her second spell, and finished with 4-59, taking two wickets apiece either side of lunch.
Elyse Villani and Australian captain Meg Lanning fell in identical fashion, caught well at first slip by England's Heather Knight.
After lunch the Somerset player bowled Australian debutant Nicole Bolton before ensuring the demise of the dangerous Elysse Perry for just five to put England into the ascendancy.
Debutant Jonassen steals the show
With Lanning and Perry both out, Jonassen walked to the crease with Australia on 87-4.
She shared a 77-run sixth-wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Healy, who was watched by fiance Mitchell Starc and uncle Ian Healy, as she contributed 39.
The all-rounder played a number of sublime cover drives as she took Australia to a competitive first-innings total.
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