Australia beat New Zealand 2-0 in the Trans-Tasman Test series for the second time in a span of four months. But this time, this series win came on NZ soil.
Australia are now the No.1 Test side in the world, as they have replaced India in the top spot of the ICC rankings.
The Aussies successfully spoilt New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's farewell Test series by handing the hosts a drubbing in both the Test matches.
The Black Caps were all out for a total of 370 runs in their first innings. Thanks to McCullum's blitzkreig, the Kiwis could reach a respectful total.
McCullum scored the fastest century ever in the longest format of the game (54 balls) in the first innings. Nobody could have asked for more from this man, who is responsible for the evolution of this Kiwi side in the last three years.
The wicket at the Hagley Oval was a decent one to bat on and Australia capitalised on it in their first innings, as they posted 505 runs. The visitors also took a lead of 135 runs. Joe Burns and Steve Smith scored a century each in the first innings.
Neil Wagner picked up six wickets in the first innings, which helped curtail Australia's run flow.
New Zealand had to bat well in their second innings to overcome that lead. Kane Williamson and Matt Henry, though, were the only two Kiwi batsmen who showed some character with the bat. The rest of the Black Caps batsmen did not last long at the crease, as they were unable to handle the pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers, especially, James Pattinson, who picked up four wickets to restrict New Zealand to a total of 335 in the second innings.
Needing 200 runs to win, with almost two days to go, it was easy for Australia, even if the New Zealand bowlers troubled the Aussie batsmen initially.
Joe Burns and Steve Smith scored a half-century each and took Australia over the line quite comfortably in the first session of Day 5 of the second Test match in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 370 & 335 (Kane Williamson 97, Matt Henry 66; Jackson Bird 5-59, James Pattinson 4-77) lost to Australia 505 & 201/3 (Joe Burns 65, Steve Smith 53 n.o.) by 7 wickets.
