Australia cruise to easy victory
Published:Tuesday | March 23, 2010 | 2:16 PM
Australia cruised to a 10-wicket victory in the first Test against hosts New Zealand in Wellington today, taking 23 overs to polish off the 106 runs required at the Basin Reserve.
Phillip Hughes led Australia to victory as he cracked 86 not out off 75 balls in his team’s total of 106. Simon Katich was undefeated on 18 off 65 deliveries.
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.
However, 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 was bowled out for 407
Harris was the leading wicket taker for Australia with four for 77, while Nathan Hauritz chipped in with three for 119.
New Zealand were forced to follow-on after scoring 157 on Saturday.
Final scores in the match are Australia 459 for five declared and 106 without loss, New Zealand 157 and 407.
The teams meet again on Friday in Hamilton for the second Test.