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 Monday. 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 was chasing a massive 504-run target after two innings declarations from the dominant home side, which easily maintained its 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. 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. Mark Craig and Trent Boult defiantly added 46 runs for the last wicket, before Boult was caught behind for 15 leaving Craig unbeaten on 26. Spinner Lyon finished with the best figures of three for 63 off 21 overs. Ross Taylor was the first man out in the fifth over of the final day, gloving an attempted pull shot off Hazlewood to Smith at second slip for 26. James Neesham, who came into bat despite being ruled out for the rest of the series with back trouble, lasted 33 balls before he popped an easy catch to Joe Burns at short leg off Mitchell Johnson for three. McCullum hit Johnson over one of the longest boundaries at backward square leg for his second six to steam into the 70s. It was McCullum's 97th six in Tests, placing him tied for third all time behind Australia's Adam Gilchrist with 100. Lyon trapped BJ Watling leg before wicket for 14 with the Kiwi unable to change the umpire's decision as he lost out on his referral. It then went rapidly downhill for the Kiwis following McCullum's removal, although Craig hit out lustily for the last wicket. Australia's Smith said it was a "satisfying performance." Starc fined The International Cricket Council fined Australia paceman Mitchell Starc half of his match fee Monday for throwing a ball dangerously at New Zealand batsman Mark Craig. Starc was fined Aus$7,725 ($5,500) by match referee Roshan Mahanama, the ICC said. Australia had the match well in hand with the Kiwis one wicket away from defeat when Starc impetuously hurled the ball in Craig's direction after the Kiwi had smacked him for three successive fours. Compounding Starc's frustration was that the throw went for four needless overthrows, which did not amuse Australian skipper Steve Smith. — Agencies
