NZ v Australia 1st Test: Aussies wrap up impressive win inside four days to take 1-0 series lead

AUSTRALIA is now just one step away from reclaiming the No.1 world ranking after decimating New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 15: BJ Watling of New Zealand is bowled by Nathan Lyon of Australia during day four of the Test match between New Zealand and Australia at Basin Reserve on February 15, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA is now just one step away from reclaiming the No.1 world ranking after decimating New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington.

Series victory is all Australia must do to once again climb the summit of Test cricket, and a draw in Christchurch on Saturday will be enough to secure what would be a significant achievement.

However, with a similar pitch expected in Christchurch to the green-top that made batting so difficult on day one at the Basin Reserve, Australia’s job is far from done with another ‘result’ Test beckoning.

The dominance though of their innings and 52 runs smashing of the Black Caps inside four days will give Steve Smith’s side enormous confidence that they can finish the job and win a Test series overseas for the first time since South Africa 2014.

AS IT HAPPENED: Relive all the first Test action in our blog

Needing just six wickets to put New Zealand to sleep on day four, spinner Nathan Lyon led the way with an excellent four-wicket haul, while Mitchell Marsh (three), Josh Hazlewood and Jackson Bird all got in on the action as well.

Only a 50-run partnership between tailenders Tim Southee (48) and Mark Craig saved New Zealand from their worst-ever defeat against Australia on home soil (an innings and 103 runs).

The class batting of man-of-the-match Adam Voges (239), Usman Khawaja (140) and Steve Smith (71) was emphatic and the work of spearhead Hazlewood equally impressive in a comprehensive all-round display.

BJ Watling has his stumps disturbed by Nathan Lyon.

“We exploited the conditions well on that first morning,” Australian captain Steve Smith said.

“We hit good areas and then I think we battled quite hard with the bat.

“We were under a little bit of pressure early and I thought the partnership between Khawaja and Voges was spot on and they played out of their skins to get a hundred and two hundred respectively.”

Jackson Bird and Steve Smith celebrate the wicket of Henry Nicholls.

Australia’s only genuine concern leading into Saturday’s second Test surrounds the fitness of Peter Siddle who suffered back spasms on day three.

The veteran paceman was outstanding in the first innings of this Test taking three wickets including the key scalp of Kane Williamson, however he barely bowled in the second dig and not at all on day four.

Peter Nevill hands Adam Voges a well-earned keepsake following Australia’s win in the first Test.

With James Pattinson also under a fitness cloud and Jackson Bird not setting the world on fire in his return Test, Australia will be sweating on the make-up of their attack.

But with Hazlewood and Lyon leading the way, there is no reason why Australia can’t fire regardless of the attack they take into battle.

It’s understood New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is unlikely to return from injury for the second Test – in another blow to the Black Caps.

McCullum, who played his 100th consecutive test in Wellington and will retire after his 101st in Christchurch, said New Zealand struggled to recover after slumping to 51-5 in the game’s opening session.

“I thought the guys fought pretty hard throughout but we were outplayed by a better team and

we weren’t able to get back into the match after that first morning,” he said.

“I thought the way that Usman and Adam both played on a wicket that still had a little bit in it batted us out of the game.”