Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, promoted to Australian captain after Mitch Marsh was rested for the final game, said the series was ideal preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

“We wanted to have a look at the depth in our squad and we were lucky enough to do that today with Spencer and Matty Short,” Wade said.

“Our bowlers were unbelievable today, the way they came out and executed. It was as clinical a bowling effort as I’ve seen from an Australian outfit.

“For Matthew Short to come out and bat the way he did is really exciting for the future.”

New Zealand were not helped by injuries, which ruled out key batsmen Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway at different stages of the series while veteran Kane Williamson was absent because of the birth of his child.

Captain Mitchell Santner would not use that as an excuse, saying Australia were simply too good.

“They’re obviously a quality side,” Santner said.

“The first game was a close one but we were obviously outplayed in the last two.”

The first Test of a two-match series between the teams starts in Wellington on Thursday.