You are in > manchester.com  > News > Lee finds form to defeat woeful Black Caps

Cricket

Lee finds form to defeat woeful Black Caps

01/12/2008

A Brett Lee-inspired Australia sealed a comfortable innings victory over near neighbours New Zealand to win their Test series 2-0.

After taking four wickets in bowling out the tourists for 270 in the first innings in Adelaide, Lee took a further five scalps in their second innings.

His victims included a superb caught-and-bowled chance to dismiss the dangerous Ross Taylor (one), skittling out the Black Caps for just 203, leaving them an innings and 62 runs adrift.

Lee's heroics came after a troubled tour of India earlier this winter, where he struggled for form as Ricky Ponting's men slumped to their first Test series defeat since the 2005 Ashes against England.

Australia's batting lineup also refound some form as Ponting made 79 from number three, while middle-order men Michael Clarke (110) and Brad Haddin (169) both compiled sumptuous centuries in a mammoth 535 for the hosts.

And the Black Caps had no answer to the pace and hostility of Lee as only wicketkeeper Brendan McCullum (84 not out) showed any resistance.