Australia reclaim top Test spot post series sweep against Kiwis

Melbourne: Australia have reclaimed world number one Test spot after recording a comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second match to clinch the Trans-Tasman series 2-0 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Australia resumed the final day on 70-1, requiring 131 more runs to win and with Joe Burns (27) and Usman Khawaja (19) at the crease.

Burns struck a solid 65, while Khawaja fell just five runs short of half-century and ended up scoring 45 runs in his side’s second innings.

Skipper Steve Smith (unbeaten 53) and Adam Voges (unbeaten 10) then strengthen his side to wrap up the innings for 201-3, news.com.au reported.

For the hosts, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee chipped in with a wicket each.

Burns was adjudged as `player of the match` for his match-winning contribution for Australia.

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum received a standing ovation by the spectators as he took the field for the very last time.

Earlier, McCullum broke the record of fastest Test century by reaching the three-figure landmark of just 54 balls. He surpassed former West Indies skipper Sir Vivian Richards and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq’s record from 56 balls.

The two sides will now play together in the opening match of the World T20 in India on March 18.(ANI)