ADELAIDE • Australia claimed a thrilling three-wicket victory inside three days over New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval yesterday in the first day-night Test.

Chasing 187 to win, the hosts lost opener Joe Burns, vice-captain David Warner and captain Steve Smith in just 13 overs. It was then left to Shaun Marsh, fighting to save his career, who took Australia to the cusp of victory with his brother Mitchell, before being dismissed for 49.

Dropped during the Ashes series in England this year, Shaun Marsh was only recalled for this match as a replacement for injured No. 3 batsman Usman Khawaja. After scoring just two runs in the first innings, he top-scored to set up Australia's win in a Test where no batsman hit a century.

Tailender Peter Siddle hit the winning runs to clinch a 2-0 series win over the gallant Black Caps. Australia won the first Brisbane Test by 208 runs and the second Test in Perth was drawn.

The unique pink ball developed for day-night Tests triumphed over the bat in a fast-paced match which attracted a total attendance of 123,736, a record for a non-Ashes Test in Adelaide.

"The bowlers have dominated this game and it's great for cricket," said Australia skipper Steve Smith. "It has certainly brought the bowlers into the game, particularly under the lights."

It was the first three-day Test match at the Adelaide Oval in 64 years - since the West Indies beat Australia by six wickets.

"It was an outstanding game of cricket. Obviously completely contrasting to what we have seen in the series," said Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum. "In terms of an experiment I thought it went off as good as it could do, and the crowd supported it and it was an outstanding game of cricket."

Man-of-the-match Josh Hazlewood led the Australian attack in the absence of the injured Mitchell Starc, taking six for 70 off 24.5 overs. The Kiwis, who resumed on 116 for five yesterday, lost their last five wickets for 92.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE