Australia's return to the top hit by controversy

AFP, CHRISTCHURCH:  Australia sealed a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand to reach the top Test ranking Wednesday but captain Steve Smith was forced to defend their aggressive style as he was fined over a row with the umpires. With Smith smacking 53 off 46 balls, Australia polished off the 131 runs they needed on the last day to reach their 201 target just after lunch in what was New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum's final Test.
The match had no sooner finished than Smith was charged over Tuesday's profanity-laced confrontation over an lbw decision that had already seen fast bowler Josh Hazlewood fined 15 percent of his match fee.
The ICC later said Smith was fined 30 percent of his match fee after he admitted showing dissent by questioning the decision that batsman Kane Williamson was not out.
Adam Voges finished on 10 not out, while the only wickets to fall on day five were those of Joe Burns for 65 and Usman Khawaja for 45 as Australia closed on 201 for three to win by seven wickets.
The victory confirmed Australia's superiority after they won the first Test by an innings and 52 runs, and allowed them to overtake India as the world's top Test side.
However Smith also had to dispute suggestions that Australia, often controversial over their uncompromising play and habit of sledging (insulting) the opposition, were cricket's bully boys.
For New Zealand the drubbing by their arch-rivals put a cloud over the much-loved McCullum's farewell, as their captain made his bow on the world stage after 101 Tests.
The animosity throughout the series, which came to a head on Tuesday, was put aside the moment Voges hit the winning runs with a four.
Smith immediately searched out McCullum to shake his hand and congratulate him on his career, which included a record 54-ball century in the first innings.
McCullum's rollicking 145, in which he also reached a record 107 career sixes, was not enough to save New Zealand.
After resuming Wednesday at 70 for 1, with David Warner (22) out late the previous evening, Australia took 34 overs to score the remaining 131 runs required.
Khawaja took his overnight 19 to 45 before giving Tim Southee his first wicket of the Test after 29 overs.
Southee had bottled up Khawaja for eight consecutive deliveries before getting an edge with a ball angling away outside off stump which went to McCullum at first slip.
Man-of-the-match Joe Burns, having laid the foundations for victory with his 170 in the first innings, scored his fourth Test 50 before being bowled by Trent Boult for 65 just before lunch.
The series sweep made Australia world number one and earned them a US$1 million prize at the end of their cricket year.

Australias return to the top hit by controversy

AFP, CHRISTCHURCH: Australia sealed a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand to reach the top Test ranking Wednesday but captain Steve Smith was forced to defend their aggressive style as he was fined over a row with the umpires. With Smith smacking 53 off 46 balls, Australia polished off the 131 runs they needed on the last day to reach their 201 target just after lunch in what was New Zealand captain Brendon McCullums final Test. The match had no sooner finished than Smith was charged over Tuesdays profanity-laced confrontation over an lbw decision that had already seen fast bowler Josh Hazlewood fined 15 percent of his match fee. The ICC later said Smith was fined 30 percent of his match fee after he admitted showing dissent by questioning the decision that batsman Kane Williamson was not out. Adam Voges finished on 10 not out, while the only wickets to fall on day five were those of Joe Burns for 65 and Usman Khawaja for 45 as Australia closed on 201 for three to win by seven wickets. The victory confirmed Australias superiority after they won the first Test by an innings and 52 runs, and allowed them to overtake India as the worlds top Test side. However Smith also had to dispute suggestions that Australia, often controversial over their uncompromising play and habit of sledging (insulting) the opposition, were crickets bully boys. For New Zealand the drubbing by their arch-rivals put a cloud over the much-loved McCullums farewell, as their captain made his bow on the world stage after 101 Tests. The animosity throughout the series, which came to a head on Tuesday, was put aside the moment Voges hit the winning runs with a four. Smith immediately searched out McCullum to shake his hand and congratulate him on his career, which included a record 54-ball century in the first innings. McCullums rollicking 145, in which he also reached a record 107 career sixes, was not enough to save New Zealand. After resuming Wednesday at 70 for 1, with David Warner (22) out late the previous evening, Australia took 34 overs to score the remaining 131 runs required. Khawaja took his overnight 19 to 45 before giving Tim Southee his first wicket of the Test after 29 overs. Southee had bottled up Khawaja for eight consecutive deliveries before getting an edge with a ball angling away outside off stump which went to McCullum at first slip. Man-of-the-match Joe Burns, having laid the foundations for victory with his 170 in the first innings, scored his fourth Test 50 before being bowled by Trent Boult for 65 just before lunch. The series sweep made Australia world number one and earned them a US$1 million prize at the end of their cricket year.