Aussies complete summer cleansweep

Australia have completed a series whitewash over New Zealand after securing a 279-run victory in the final Test in Sydney.

The Kiwis could only muster up 136 in the final innings of the game with Matt Henry unable to bat to conclude what has been an average series with the bat in hand.

Nathan Lyon with a busted thumb claimed 5-50 in the second innings and 10-wickets for the match.

David Warner set up the target of 421 on the final day notching up his 24th Test century (111 not out) when the Aussies declared midway through the second session.

Ross Taylor (22) provided some small resistance and in the process became New Zealand's highest run-scorer in Test cricket while Colin DeGrandhomme (52) and BJ Watling (19 off 108 balls).

Marnus Labuschagne was named player of the series but created more headlines for scoring the most runs (896) in any five Test match summer by any Australian batsman ever. No bowler was able to dismiss him for less than 50, he was only run out in the second innings in Melbourne for 19.

The Aussies now don't play any red ball cricket until two Test matches in Bangladesh in the middle of the year.

IMAGE: AAP