CHRISTCHURCH, (Reuters) – Australia continued their march to a comprehensive test series victory over New Zealand, and a return to the top of the world’s test rankings, yesterday after reaching 185 for three at lunch on the final day of the second test.
Steve Smith was on 47 at the break with Adam Voges yet to score at the end of an extended first session.
Australia had looked like getting the 201 runs needed for victory when they reached 169 for two at the scheduled lunch break before Joe Burns (65) was bowled by Trent Boult in the additional four overs offered by the umpires.
Voges and Smith then opted to see out victory after the break.
Usman Khawaja (45) was the only other wicket to fall in the first session yesterday when he was well held by Brendon McCullum at first slip off Tim Southee.
Australia, who thrashed New Zealand in the first test by an innings and 52 runs in Wellington last week, had only needed to draw the match at Hagley Oval to take the top ranking in test cricket from India.
Australia are seeking a seventh win in 11 tests under Smith.
Burns had resumed on 27 and Khawaja on 19 with Australia 70 for one after being set 201 runs to win the match having dismissed the hosts in their second innings for 335 after tea on Tuesday.
Knowing they had the luxury of time to score the further 131 required, neither Burns nor Khawaja took any unnecessary risks in the first session, though Smith and Burns did increase the run rate after the left hander departed.
Neil Wagner, who took a career best 6-106 in the first innings with short pitched tactics, resorted to it again yesterday but the left armer rarely threatened on a placid pitch and in hot conditions.
