Wicketkeeper Alex Carey guided Australia through various hazards with an unbeaten 98 and a 140-run stand with Mitch Marsh to a three-wicket win over New Zealand in the second Test here, completing a 2-0 series sweep.

Both sides had moments throughout the day when they took control. But it was Marsh’s innings of 80 and Carey’s steady hand which took Australia to their 14th-highest successful fourth innings chase in Tests.

The hosts narrowly missed out on a first Test win over Australia in New Zealand in 31 years.

With the win, Australia have overtaken New Zealand to take the second spot in the World Test Championships (WTC) ranking, improving their percentage points to 62.50 after 12 matches. India — who have won six of their nine matches — continue to lead the table (68.51).

After Mitchell Starc got out the very next ball after Marsh’s dismissal, with
59 runs needed and three wickets in hand, the match briefly turned in the home team’s favour.

But Carey kept Australia on track. On strike on 97, with three runs needed to win and a chance to complete his century, he gloved a single and captain Pat Cummins ended the chase a few balls later.

“I was happy with that,” Carey said. “I didn’t want to be on strike again. We had our backs against the wall this morning, they came out and put us under the pump
so it’s nice to chase those
runs down.” AP/PTI