Lyon spins Australia to victory in Wellington Test

A fourth-innings, six-wicket haul courtesy of Nathan Lyon propelled Australia to a 172-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test of the Trans-Tasman Trophy in Wellington.

The Black Caps entered Day 4 at 3-for-111 with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell in the midst of a 52-run partnership.

It took just six-and-a-half overs for Lyon to strike for Australia with Ravindra (59 off 105) picking out first innings hero Cameron Green at point.

Tom Blundell (0 off 3) was caught by Travis Head at bat-pad in the same over as momentum swung firmly back the way of the visitors after a brave stand by Ravindra and Mitchell to close Day 3.

Lyon soon had a third wicket within the space of eight balls with Glenn Phillips (1 off 7) hit on the pads as the Black Caps innings decidedly began to unravel.

Scott Kuggeleijn (26 off 28) played an aggressive cameo that stopped the bleeding momentarily before gloving a Green delivery to Alex Carey behind the stumps.

Hazlewood dismissed Matt Henry (14 off 15) before Lyon found the wicket of Tim Southee (7 off 7).

Hazlewood wrapped things up with the dismissal of Mitchell (38 off 130) who played a classy innings but ultimately ran out of partners as Australia extended their stranglehold on the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

Green was awarded a Player of the Match nod for his match-defining 174* in the first innings whilst Lyon secured the fifth 10-wicket match of his Test career.

The focus shifts to the second Test in Christchurch on Friday with Australia looking to wrap up a 2-0 series victory.