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Harris, Hughes help Aus crush Kiwis in first Test

Last updated on: March 23, 2010 10:49 IST

-scorecard

Brendon McCullum's dogged century could only delay the inevitable as Australia cruised to a convincing 10-wicket win in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Aussies needing just 106 runs to win reached the target in 23 overs. Openers Phillip Hughes (86 off 75 balls) and Simon Katich (18 off 65 balls) made it look simple as they guided Australia to victory without any glitches.

Overnight on 369 for six, Brendon McCullum and Daryl Tuffey could not rally further as the Kiwis lost their way early in the first session. McCullum, who was overnight on 94, completed his fifth Test century but was soon scalped by Ryan Harris in the fourth over of the day to commence the end of the Kiwi fightback.

Harris then had Southee caught in the slips by for a duck. He tasted success again when Brent Arnel was trapped leg before. Arnel called for a review but the decision went against him.

Tuffey added 24 to his overnight score and was stranded on 47 not out as he saw Mitchell Johnson send Chris Martin's stumps flying at the other end to bowl out the Kiwis for 407.

Harris was the pick of the bowlers for Australia with figures of 4 for 77 off 24 overs.

Chasing 106 to win, Australia got to the target with utmost ease on the stroke of lunch.