Easy victory for Australia

Australia cruise to a 10-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington.

Australia have cruised to a 10-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington, taking 23 overs to polish off the 106 runs required at the Basin Reserve. New Zealand began the final day on 369 for six needing Brendon McCullum, who was 94 overnight, and Daryl Tuffey, 23 not out, to carry on the healthy partnership they had forged the previous day in the gale-force winds that buffeted the New Zealand capital. But when McCullum was dismissed for 104 in the fourth over of the day it marked the beginning of the end as Ryan Harris picked up three wickets in three overs and the home side were bowled out for 407. Australia rattled off the runs with ease with Phillip Hughes hitting 12 boundaries and a six in his 75-ball 86 not out and Simon Katich adding a more circumspect unbeaten 18 off 65 balls. Daniel Vettori had no joy with his referrals, as close lbw calls against both openers went the way of the batsmen. Hughes brought up his half-century two balls after Tim McIntosh had dropped him in the slips but he was rarely troubled as the Australians wrapped up victory on the stroke of lunch. Play began 30 minutes early because of the overs lost for bad light and rain yesterday and it took just three balls for McCullum to bring up his fifth Test ton. After leaving Bollinger's first delivery he stroked the next two to the boundary - his 12th and 13th of the innings - to move to 102 off 181 balls. But McCullum's fine knock came to an end in Harris' second over when the right-armer got the wicketkeeper to edge one to Michael Clarke in the slips with just two runs added to his score. It was the first of debutant Harris' three wickets as he combined with Clarke again to remove Tim Southee for a two-ball duck then had Brent Arnel (three) trapped leg before wicket. Arnel called for a review and with sunny, calm conditions at the Basin Reserve the virtual eye cameras were fully operational but could not help the tail-ender. Harris finished with four for 77 off 24 overs after removing Martin Guptill (six) on day three. The next best bowler was spinner Nathan Hauritz (three for 119 off 49 overs). Mitchell Johnson (one for 107) wrapped up the New Zealand tail, clean-bowling Chris Martin (one) to leave Tuffey stranded on 47 not out and Australia chasing 106 to win.

* PA Sport