The sixth-wicket pair eclipsed a 14-year-old Australia record

Ricky Ponting heaped praise on Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey after Australia raced to an unbeatable 3-0 series lead with an 86-run win over New Zealand.

The pair put on 136 unbroken runs for the sixth wicket, an Aussie record, to lead the visitors to 264-5.

"We were in a bit of trouble but Clarke and Hussey played beautifully. It was a total we were confident of defending," captain Ponting said.

The Kiwis were never in the hunt and were bowled out in the 42nd over.

Auckland scorecard

"We weren't good enough as we haven't been throughout the series," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said.

"They never let us gain any momentum and we were outplayed in all departments."

The hosts handed a debut to James Marshall, but it was his twin Hamish who caused Australia the most concern with 55 off 87 balls.

In addition to Clarke (71 not out) and Hussey (65 not out), Australia were well-served by Simon Katich's 58 at the top of the order.