Lee(thal) Brett stuffs the Kiwis

Brett Lee’s five-wicket haul was responsible for another disastrous performance from New Zealand’s ailing batting order as Australia stormed to an innings-and-62-run victory and a 2-0 series success. Run making has been a severe problem for the tourists throughout the contest, but they left their most inept performance till last on a friendly pitch, falling to 6 for 84 on the way to 203.

Lee, who took nine wickets for a career-best match return, was not at his best during the India tour, but he has improved with each innings since coming home and re-affirmed his status as the attack leader by finding life in the dead surface.

All the serious damage came in the first session when Lee blasted four wickets in a 10-over spell that cost 23 runs. The visitors started the fourth day 230 behind and were soon caught in a Lee whirlwind that resulted in a demoralising defeat in the final Test for the coach John Bracewell. After scoring 177 and 156 in Brisbane, New Zealand followed with 270 in the first innings and ended the match with barely a punch, except for those offered by Brendon McCullum in his fierce, fighting 84 not out.

McCullum and Iain O’Brien added 50 for the ninth wicket - well, O’Brien didn’t contribute any runs, but he did defend well - to delay their second loss in four days over the past two weeks. The result pushed them to eighth on the rankings, below their next opponents West Indies. Only Aaron Redmond and Jamie How reached double-figures from the top six, but the opening pair was responsible for allowing the early carnage.

Ricky Ponting provided the highlight for Lee with a stunning one-handed take at second slip to remove How for 28. Lee squared up the batsman and the edge was intercepted by a flying Ponting who was at full stretch.

The catch was so good Ponting, who is not usually excited by his own deeds, started on a looping run before his team-mates mobbed him, and he received a special hug from Lee as they watched the replay on the big screen. (Cricinfo)