Rookie strikes to seal thrilling triumph

The Black Caps prevailed by seven runs – their narrowest Test win, and equal seventh in the format’s history – after David Warner, who carried his bat for an unbeaten 123, and Nathan Lyon almost took the hosts over the line in Hobart.

The latter was bowled by a fine inswinger from Doug Bracewell, though, to become the rookie paceman’s sixth wicket and end a stand of 34 with Australia eight short of their victory target of 241.

“They fought the whole way,” said Taylor. “We would have won by 40 runs out there against some teams but the way Lyon and Warner played, I nearly had a heart attack.

“Warner was outstanding. To come in in only his second match and control the game the way he did... we’ll be on the wrong side of a few hidings so I can’t feel too sorry for him, but he deserves a lot of credit for the way he batted.”

Twenty-one-year-old Bracewell, who took 6-40, has only one more Test to his name than Twenty20 specialist Warner, and Taylor said: “I’m just stoked for Dougie. He bowled outstandingly well for a young guy, 21 and in only his third Test to get Ponting and Clarke and Hussey – that’s something to tell your grandkids about.”

Taylor had just turned nine the last time New Zealand beat Australia, while their last win across the Tasman was in 1986.

The captain said: “Rugby is our number one sport but any sport against Australia, winning in Australia, the New Zealand public enjoys.”

Pakistan wrapped up an innings victory in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong after bowling their hosts out early on the fourth afternoon.

Pakistan got two quick wickets before lunch and reduced Bangladesh to 228-7, still 231 runs adrift of making Pakistan bat again. Mushfiqur Rahim offered some resistance with 49 after Shakib Al Hasan’s half-century, but the Tigers were bowled out for 275 to lose by an innings and 184 runs, after Younus Khan’s unbeaten double-century led Pakistan to 594-5 in the one innings they required.

Melbourne Stars are confident Shane Warne will be fit to play in this weekend’s Big Bash opener despite burning his bowling hand.

Former Australia spinner Warne, who has come out of retirement, posted a picture on Twitter of his hand showing large blisters on three of his fingers with his little finger the worst affected.