Australia moved back to the top of the Test rankings after wrapping up a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Christchurch.

Needing 131 at Hagley Oval with nine wickets in hand, the tourists encountered few problems before displacing India at the top of the ICC rankings.

It gave Australia a 2-0 series success, following victory by an innings and 152 runs in the opener at Wellington last week.

Joe Burns (27 not out) and Usman Khawaja (19no) were the two batsmen at the wicket when play resumed on the final morning.

The pair made sedate early progress, bringing their 50 partnership and their team’s 100 up in the 31st over of the innings.

Another 13 runs were added before the Black Caps made the breakthrough, Brendon McCullum – in his final Test – catching Khawaja for 44 off the bowling of Tim Southee.

That brought Steve Smith to the wicket – and the captain upped the pace, sharing in a 66-run stand for the third wicket in 67 balls.

The partnership ended when Burns, seeking to clear mid-on, was bowled by Trent Boult for 65, including nine fours.

Smith and Adam Voges’ pursuit of victory was interrupted by lunch, which was taken with Australia on 185 for three.

However, the pair finished the job shortly after the resumption. Smith brought up his half-century from 41 balls and went on to finish unbeaten on 53, while Voges hit the winning runs – a square-driven four which saw him to 10 not out.