By NICK STANLEY
The Australia team recorded their eighth straight victory in test matches, bundling New Zealand out for 218 in the fifth day of the first test at Eden Park today.
Australia needed just over an hour-and-a-half to capture the remaining five Kiwi wickets, the 62 run victory equalling the record
for consecutive wins by an Australian test side, set in 1921.
In the process Shane Warne became the highest test wicket-taker in Australian history when he had Paul Wiseman caught behind for 9, wrapping up the match. The wicket was his 356th in test matches, surpassing the previous record of 355 held by Dennis Lillee.
It was a dramatic game, with both sides having equal opportunity to win, but the Black Caps collapsed in the session after lunch, losing four wickets for 35 runs.
After the washout yesterday, the start of play was delayed until 11:30 am as ground staff worked hard to get the pitch and outfield ready. New Zealand resumed their second innings at 151 for 5 wickets, still needing 130 runs to win the match.
The run chase got off to an ominous start. Chris Cairns was caught by Steve Waugh in the second over off the bowling of Colin Miller without adding to his score of 20. Adam Parore joined Craig McMillan and the pair took the Black Caps through to 183 for 6 wickets at lunch.
But the session after lunch was all Australia. Steve Waugh took a great catch at short cover to remove Adam Parore off the bowling of Brett Lee for 26. McMillan continued on valiantly, bringing up New Zealand's 200 in the following over.
But Lee quickly struck again - removing top-scorer McMillan for 78, caught by Shane Warne at slip. The run chase was effectively ended in the next over when Vettori was caught by Warne off the bowling of Miller for 0. New Zealand still needed a further 77 runs to win the match with only one wicket in hand.
Paul Wiseman and Simon Doull held the Australians at bay for awhile, but it was always going to be too much for the tailenders.
The second test starts on March 24 in Wellington.
AUSTRALIA
First Innings: 214
Second Innings: 229
NEW ZEALAND
First Innings: 163
Second Innings: 218
Result: Australia won by 62 runs.
