Australia complete thrashing of New Zealand

Australia - Cropped

Australia completed a comfortable 208-run win over New Zealand on day five of the first Test in Brisbane.

Rain threatened to delay the start of play at the Gabba on Monday, but it held off for Steve Smith's men to claim the seven wickets they needed for a 1-0 series lead.

Nathan Lyon (3-63), Mitchell Marsh (2-25), Josh Hazlewood (2-68) and Mitchell Starc (2-69) led the way in an even bowling display by Australia.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum made a run-a-ball 80 before an unfortunate dismissal.

But, other than a last-wicket partnership, there was little resistance otherwise from the tourists, who were outplayed throughout the Test.

Resuming at 142-3 in their unlikely chase of 504, New Zealand needed luck – or rain – to play its part on the final day.

While McCullum was his aggressive self, Ross Taylor (26) was the first to fall as he gloved a Hazlewood bouncer to Smith for an easy catch at first slip.

McCullum's power was causing Australia's bowlers problems, but Jimmy Neesham (3) lasted just 33 balls as he popped up a Mitchell Johnson (1-58) short ball to Joe Burns at short leg.

Neesham will miss the rest of the series due to a back injury, while Johnson's wicket saw him join Brett Lee on 310 Test scalps – fourth all-time for Australia.

BJ Watling (14) was the next to go, LBW to Lyon despite a review, and that would cost McCullum.

McCullum was given out caught by Smith despite not hitting a Marsh delivery, but he had no choice but to walk.

Doug Bracewell (0) was plumb LBW first ball, but Marsh missed out on a hat-trick.

Tim Southee (5) reviewed a caught behind – and he too was wrong – before a 46-run 10th-wicket stand frustrated the hosts.

Starc finally removed Trent Boult (15) to end the final-wicket partnership and secure Australia's win.

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