Aussies crush Kiwis

BRISBANE. — Australia crushed New Zealand by 208 runs but the Kiwis were left to curse a disputed decision against skipper Brendon McCullum on the final day of the first Test cricket yesterday. The Australians claimed the seven remaining wickets during the morning in Brisbane to go one-up in the three-Test series after dismissing the Black Caps for 295.New Zealand were chasing a massive 504-run target after two innings declarations from the dominant home side, who easily maintained their 27-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.

Pugnacious opening batsman David Warner was named man of the match after hitting centuries in both innings as the Australians powered away.

While the Kiwis were well beaten there was controversy over the dismissal of McCullum, who was his team’s shining light with a typically uninhibited knock. McCullum was well set for his first Test century in Australia on 80, when he got a disputed call from English umpire Nigel Llong, who gave him out to a catch off his pad by Steve Smith at second slip. McCullum protested, saying he had not hit the ball, but with their two referrals already exhausted he trudged from the ground, taking New Zealand’s hopes of staying in the match with him.

However, McCullum did not make a fuss about the incident at his post-match media conference. “That’s the game. Both umpires are two of the best in world cricket, outstanding umpires who are allowed to make the occasional mistake,” he said.

“That’s just the game and you’ve got to cop it sweet.

“I was a bit frustrated. I felt was playing okay and pretty determined to ensure we were able to keep batting deep into the afternoon. But I’ve been around long enough to know you get some go your way and some against you at times.” Doug Bracewell went next ball, leg before wicket, putting Mitchell Marsh on a hat-trick which Tim Southee saw off.

But Southee was soon out to another dubious caught behind decision off Josh Hazlewood, with the game well and truly gone for the New Zealanders. — AFP.