On the other side of the spectrum, it was a spectacular day for Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, who took six for 65 as Australia wrapped the 172-run win over New Zealand in Wellington.

The hosts started the day on 111/3, chasing a victory target of 369.  Lyon’s first scalp was Rachin Ravindra, followed by Tom Blundell and Glen Phillips, all inside the first hour. Daryl Mitchell and Scot Kuggeleijn tried to steady the boat and put on a respectable 36-run partnership, but Cameron Green dismissed Kuggeleijn for 26. 

Despite a valiant effort from Mitchell, who was the last man standing, captain Tim Southee was Lyon’s 10th wicket in the match.  Lyon had competition for Man of the Match from all-rounder Cameron Green, whose 174 not out in the first innings was instrumental to Australia’s success.  In the end though, there can only be one and Nathan Lyon was the worthy recipient.

The defeat means New Zealand has only one win in 24 tests against Australia in this century.  The second test match in the series starts in Christchurch on Friday.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger