Cricket: NZ wins thrilling test

Phil Hughes of Australia leaves the field after being dismissed by Chris Martin during day four of the Second Test match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand broke an 18-year drought with a thrilling seven-run cricket victory over Australia in Hobart today.

Australia, chasing 241 to wrap up a 2-0 series win were dismissed for 233 when last man Nathan Lyon, after adding 34 with undefeated opener David Warner, was bowled by Black Caps seamer Doug Bracewell to nail the win.

Bracewell finished with best test figures, six for 40 in just his third test.

Warner played an outstanding hand to bat through the innings and finish on 123 not out off 170 balls.

The day began with Australia 72 without loss, needing a further 169.
Instead the day turned into a disaster for the hosts, and unconfined delight for New Zealand.

While Bracewell, who took nine for 60 in the match, led the way, his three fast-medium mates, Chris Martin, Tim Southee and Trent Boult all made important contributions.

It is New Zealand's eighth test win from 52 tests against Australia, and the first since Eden Park in March 1993.

Australia's batting fell apart in a period from 21 minutes before lunch to half an hour after the resumption. In that period they lost seven for 40 from 11.3 overs.

Australia lost their three key batsmen, former captain Ricky Ponting, current skipper Michael Clarke and the other veteran Mike Hussey in the space of 15 balls and 10 minutes, all to Bracewell.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and Warner put on 33 to refloat the innings before Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc departed in 11 balls for just seven runs.

Warner started pushing for runs and pulses were racing when Lyon was given lbw to Southee by umpire Asad Rauf. Lyon sought a referral, which showed the ball pitching fractionally outside his leg stump.

Seven balls later another lbw appeal, this time from Bracewell, was given not out. This time New Zealand went upstairs, and the replay showed the ball missing Lyon's leg stump.

Slowly the last pair had whittled the target down until 16 were needed when a nervous drinks break was taken.

It was down to eight needed when Bracewell got a ball through Lyon's defence and the New Zealanders hugged excitedly in the middle of the ground.

It is New Zealand's third win on Australian soil, and first since 1985.