Aussies post 208-run win over NZ at Gabba

Australia have recorded a 208-run win over New Zealand at the Gabba, Steve Smith wanting better new-ball bowling but otherwise happy after the first Test.

Nathan Lyon (C) celebrates after claiming a wicket

Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against New Zealand, winning by 208 runs. (AAP)

The new era of Australian cricket started with a comfortable 208-run win over New Zealand at the Gabba, but skipper Steve Smith was far from content.

Smith was thrilled with the result in Brisbane, achieved when seven wickets fell during the morning session on day five of the first Test.

The same couldn't be said of the process.

Smith lavished David Warner, Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja with praise for building a first-innings total of 4(dec)-556 that made it a one-sided contest.

However, the 26-year-old felt the new-look top order's success was followed up with some sloppy new-ball bowling.

"They were too short for this wicket. We didn't make them play enough balls down the ground," Smith said.

"That's what we normally don't do out here (at the Gabba); we usually get the ball up and make the batters drive.

"That is going to be important for us leading into Perth, which is probably going to be similar conditions."

Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson were handed the new ball in both innings, while Josh Hazlewood and Starc took the second new rock in both digs.

The hosts will be strong favourites to win the WACA clash that starts on Friday, when they will push for an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Brendon McCullum's hopes of galvanising the touring party have been hurt by back injuries to spearhead Tim Southee and allrounder James Neesham.

McCullum is "pretty confident" Southee will recover from his irritated disc and play in Perth, however there will be at least one change with Neesham ruled out of the series.

Regardless of the XI, McCullum insisted his side would bounce back.

"We were completely outplayed but I don't think it's an indication of the gap between the sides," he said.

"We'll cop it sweet. We'll move on to Perth and make sure we're ready.

"There's a few positives ... some signs the guys were comfortable against this attack.

"We won't lose heart. We know we've got a good side and skilled players and our style, when we're able to get the ascendancy, works for us."

Smith, who led Australia's most-inexperienced Test outfit to start a home summer since 1987, agreed.

"A very good side and I'm sure they are going to come back hard at us," he said.

"The guys did a terrific job all week and I thought the first morning really set the tone for us ... the top order did a terrific job to set the game up for us."

New Zealand were chasing the game at the Gabba after a wicketless opening session, Australia's first at the venue since 2001.

"There was a little bit of assistance there and we weren't able to be as accurate or patient as we'd hoped," McCullum said.

Warner was named man of the match, having posted tons in both innings.

Johnson moved his career tally to 310 Test wickets, meaning the left-armer is equal fourth on Australia's all-time list alongside Brett Lee.

"It is terrific to see him achieving these milestones," Smith said.

"I'm sure he is looking forward to Perth. He has had a lot of success there."


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Source: AAP



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