Australia beats NZ to retain Trans-Tasman trophy after Tom Blundell century

Tom Blundell hit his maiden Test century but Australia wrapped up a 247-run win in the second Test at the MCG and retained the Trans-Tasman trophy.

The players shake hands after Tom Blundell was dismissed for 121 to give Australia the victory.

Nathan Lyon grabbed four wickets as Australia completed a crushing 247-run victory on day four of the Boxing Day test against New Zealand on Sunday that gave the host an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

After setting an improbable 488-run victory target, Tim Paine's side bowled out the Black Caps for 240 on a balmy afternoon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia's unbeaten run against its trans-Tasman neighbour has now stretched to 25 years, leaving a battered and bruised New Zealand playing only for pride in the third and final test in Sydney starting on January 3.

MATCH SCORECARD

Having thrashed Kane Williamson's team by 296 runs in the day-night opener in Perth, Australia has claimed victory in four successive tests since retaining the Ashes in England.

“I thought the way we went about this test from the moment we lost the toss was outstanding,” said captain Paine.

“We're sharing the load. We can't rely on too few and good teams have guys contributing throughout the list and we're starting to do that.”

Tom Blundell warmed New Zealand hearts with a stirring century that thwarted Australia's hopes of wrapping up a quicker victory.

But his batting partners crumbled around him and New Zealand ultimately bowed out meekly in the final hour.

“They've got a fantastic attack with pace and bounce but their accuracy stood apart and they did seem to get more out of that surface,” said New Zealand skipper Williamson.

“All round from our perspective we need to be better in all departments. We do need to be better come Sydney.”

Rocked by three wickets in nine deliveries from James Pattinson in the morning, New Zealand rallied to 131 for four at tea to the delight of Black Caps fans who sang with gusto in the terraces.

But Lyon broke the game open by capturing B.J. Watling's wicket for 22, with a venomous delivery that turned sharply to catch an inside edge and fly straight to David Warner's safe hands at leg slip.

All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme was out for nine flicking Lyon straight to Warner at backward square leg, ending a short and uneasy innings on the 12th ball faced.

With tail-ender Trent Boult not batting due to a broken hand, a comical run out of Tim Southee left Australia needing only one wicket for victory.

Part-time legspinner Marnus Labuschagne wrapped it up by having Blundell out for 121, with Lyon taking a catch inches off the ground.