Aussies Score Perfect Eight

Australia won a record-equalling eighth consecutive Test and spin-king Shane Warne became his country's greatest wicket-taker, as New Zealand were beaten by 62 runs in the first Test here today.

Australia dismissed New Zealand for 218 runs at Eden Park after the Kiwis chased an improbable 281 runs in the fourth innings to win the Test.

The victory gave Steve Waugh's team an eighth consecutive Test victory, equalling the record set by Warwick Armstrong's Australian team in 1920.

It was also a record day for master leg-spinner Warne, who passed fast bowling great Dennis Lillee's 16-year-old Australian record with his dismissal of Kiwi tail-ender Paul Wiseman to clinch the Test with his 356th wicket.

Off-spinner Colin Miller captured career-best Test-figures of five for 55.

But skipper Steve Waugh threw the ball to Warne in a bid to take off the pressure of breaking the record.

The blond-headed tweaker broke through for his second wicket with his third ball of his 21st over after Wiseman, attempting to sweep, got a top edge to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for an easy catch.

The Australian players rushed to the celebrating Warne and clapped him from the field.

Australia