Australia thrashed New Zealand by 247 runs to win the second Test and the series at Melbourne today. Nathan Lyon's spell of four helped the hosts in defending the massive target of 488 runs. Kiwis were dismissed for 240 including a strong 121 run's contribution by Tom Blundell in the evening session of the fourth day.
   
It was the second heavy defeat for New Zealand, who lost by 296 runs in Perth and will be playing for pride only in the final Test at Sydney beginning later this week.