Australia crushed New Zealand by an innings and 156 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to retain the Trans-Tasman Trophy.Trailing by 232 runs after the home side had amassed 585, the Kiwis were skittled for 76 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day.The margin of defeat was New Zealand’s second worst in all Tests against Australia and their paltry total of 76 was their lowest-ever in this country. Only two batsmen reached double figures and the innings lasted less than three hours.Fast bowler Glenn McGrath, full of confidence after scoring his maiden half-century with the bat, ripped through the top-order with three early wickets. Leg-spinner Shane Warne wiped out the tail with 4-15 from 10.2 overs and Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz shared the other three wickets.McGrath and Gillespie also starred with the bat earlier, completing their first Test half-centuries.The Kiwis could not have made a worse start to their second innings, losing left-hander Mark Richardson in the first over when he edged McGrath to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for four.McGrath grabbed another wicket in his second over when he trapped Mathew Sinclair leg before wicket for a duck. He then snared captain Stephen Fleming for 11, Justin Langer holding a low catch at third slip.The fourth wicket fell right on lunch when Scott Styris padded up to Warne without offering a shot and was given out lbw for seven.New Zealand went to lunch in deep trouble at 42-4 and things did not improve after the resumption.The second and final Test in the series is in Adelaide starting on November 26. (Reuters)Brief scoresNew Zealand: 353 and 76 (G McGrath 3/19, S Warne 4/15) lost to Australia: 585 (D Martyn 70, M Clarke 141, A Gilchrist 126, J Gillespie 54 n.o, G McGrath 61; C Martin 5/152, D Vettori 4/154)
