Hughes guides Australia to 10 wicket win over New Zealand in Wellington Test

Melbourne, Mar 23 (ANI): Australia's opening batsman Phil Hughes hit an unbeaten 86 from 75 balls to guide his team to a 10-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington.

Hughes struck 12 fours and one six while Simon Katich played the anchor role with his 18 not out from 65 deliveries, as Australia reached their target of 106 without loss and with two sessions to spare.

Hughes was recalled to the side in place of the injured Shane Watson who is hoping to recover from a thigh-muscle strain for Saturday's second and final Test in Hamilton.

Debutant Ryan Harris claimed 4-77 to help Australia bowl New Zealand out for 407 on the final morning, FOX Sports reports.

New Zealand had resumed on 6-369 and lost their last four wickets for 38 in 50 minutes of play.

Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum hit two consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Doug Bollinger (2-80) in the opening over to reach his fifth Test century.

But Harris soon had McCullum caught at first slip by Michael Clarke for 104 from 187 balls.

Harris claimed match figures of 6-119 for Australia and spinner Nathan Hauritz took 3-119 from 49 overs in New Zealand's second innings.

Michael Clarke was named man-of-the-match. (ANI)