Australia wrap up huge victory

Brisbane, November 9
Australia were held up by Brendon McCullum but dismissed New Zealand for 295 before lunch on the final day of the first Test on Monday to win by 208 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The hosts had dominated the match since their new-look top order racked up 389-2 on the opening day and never looked like losing a first Test at the Gabba since 1988.
New Zealand captain McCullum fought a thrilling rearguard with a run-a-ball 80 but once he was controversially dismissed the writing was on the wall for the tourists. Australia made 556-4 declared in their first innings and declared again on 264-4 in their second, limiting New Zealand to 317 in their first knock.
“It’s nice to start the summer off on a high,” said Australia skipper Steve Smith.
“I think the boys did a great job from Day one… that really set us up for the Test match. To be 1-0 up in a three-match series is pretty crucial.”
Opener David Warner was named the Man of the Match for his innings of 163 and 116.
Although New Zealand never looked like reaching their victory target of 504, the prospect of more wet weather and McCullum’s exploits had kept alive their hopes of batting out the day for a draw.
Resuming on 142 for three, McCullum took the game to Australia and scored a half century off 44 balls.
Ross Taylor (26) and the injured James Neesham (3) were dismissed at the other end but it was the departure of BJ Watling for 14 that precipitated McCullum’s demise.
Nathan Lyon’s lbw appeal was confirmed by technology but the use of New Zealand’s final review to check the decision cost McCullum dear in the following over.
Mitchell Marsh forced the batsman onto the back foot with a low delivery and although umpire Nigel Llong raised his finger in response to the appeal for caught behind, television replays suggested there had been no contact with McCullum’s bat. — Reuters
Brief scores
Australia: 556/4 dec & 264/4 dec; New Zealand: 317 & 295 (McCullum 80, Williamson 59; Lyon 3/63)