Southee and Wagner didn't give away too many runs in the first hour before Australia declared 487 runs ahead.

After a steady start from the openers James Pattinson derailed New Zealand with three wickets in two overs.

Blundell joined hands with Nicholls in a resilient stand of 54.

Nicholls was the aggressor in his stand with Blundell.

After Nicholls fell, Blundell switched gears and got to his maiden fifty as an opener.

Once Nicholls fell, Australia picked up wickets regularly, but couldn't dislodge Blundell, who went on to get to his second Test ton, validating his place at the top of the order.

Tom Blundell kept Australia at bay all day, delaying the inevitable, en route a spectacular ton - his first against Australia to become the first New Zealander to score a Test century at the MCG.

Australia wrapped up a win on Day 4, beating New Zealand by 247 runs.