Australia back on Test summit

CHRISTCHURCH — Australia returned to the top of the Test world rankings Wednesday after Steve Smith and Adam Voges steered the tourists to victory in the second Test against New Zealand to seal a comprehensive 2-0 series win. After thrashing the host in the first Test by an innings and 52 runs in Wellington last week, Australia sealed the second match by seven wickets shortly after lunch on the fifth and final day at Hagley Oval. It was Australia’s seventh win in 11 games under Smith’s captaincy, while the match was also the 101st and final Test for New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who now heads into international retirement. Australia was last at the summit of Test cricket in July 2014 and Smith set course for a return when he assumed the captaincy from Michael Clarke full time after last year’s Ashes loss to England. The match had no sooner finished than Smith was charged over Tuesday’s profanity-laced confrontation with the umpires that earlier saw fast bowler Josh Hazlewood fined 15 percent of his match fee. “We want to win every series we play. We want to win a lot more away from home and that was a good start for us,” Smith said. “We had a lot of patience in the way we played and ... all the guys are really confident in their skills.” However, Smith also had to dispute suggestions that Australia, often controversial over its uncompromising play and habit of sledging, or insulting the opposition, were cricket’s bully boys. “I don’t think we’re not nice guys. We play a good hard, aggressive brand of cricket,” Smith said. “For us it’s about knowing where that line is and myself and Josh Hazlewood have crossed that line in this Test match and that’s not what we’re about. “Hopefully we can learn from that and continue to develop as a team and get better.” McCullum, who will still play on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit, praised his teammates for their achievements during his reign as captain. “We’ve had some fun over the last few years,” he said. “We’ve achieved some things and hey, we’ve lost some games as well, but we’ve got our soul back and you’re absolutely great men. “For the rest of my life I’ll remember playing for New Zealand. I firmly believe this team will go to a new level over the next couple of years.” Magnanimous McCullum also congratulated Australia on its return to the top of the rankings. “You guys have proved why you are the No. 1 Test team in the world,” he added. “When you arrived here we felt we were a chance and you blew us off the park in both Tests and showed why you are such a quality team.” Smith ended the match on 53 not out, his 16th Test half century and follows up his 138 in the first innings. Voges hit the winning runs, a boundary through the covers to move to 10 and take the visitors to 201 for three. Australia had looked like achieving its victory target when it reached 169 for two at the scheduled lunch break before man of the match Joe Burns (65) was bowled by Trent Boult in the additional four overs offered by the umpires. Voges and Smith then opted to see out victory after the break. Usman Khawaja (45) was the only other wicket to fall in the first session Wednesday when he was well held by McCullum at first slip off Tim Southee.