Australia comfortably defeat New Zealand in Wellington first Test

Published: February 15 2016 | 09:37

Last updated: February 15 2016 | 13:37

Australia take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-Test series against New Zealand after comfortably winning the first Test by an innings and 52 runs.

Australia claimed a resounding victory on Monday as they wrapped up the first Test against New Zealand by an innings and 52 runs in Wellington.

The tourists, who performed equally well with the bat and ball, have an unassailable lead in the two-Test series.

By the end of day three, the Aussies had reached a first-innings total of 562 all out, with Adam Voges top-scoring on 239 runs off 364 balls and Usman Khawaja hitting a knock of 140.

Adam Voges of Australia kisses a helmet in celebration of reaching 200 runs during day three of the first Test match against New Zealand on February 14, 2016 © AFP

In response, Tom Latham and Martin Guptill hit a first-wicket partnership of 81 runs before the latter was sent packing on 45 runs, which he scored off 55 deliveries.

By the end of day three, New Zealand were 178-4 and Monday's play belonged to Australia's bowlers as Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird and Josh Hazlewood patiently wrapped up the game.

The Black Caps scored 327 runs in their second innings before they were bowled out.