Batsman Mark Richardson cheered up New Zealand's suffering fans by winning a 110 metres sprint race against Australia all rounder Darren Lehmann at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

Richardson, whose nickname is Rigor Mortis, laid down the challenge to Lehmann after identifying him as one of the slowest runners in the Australian team, which clinched a 2-0 Test series win over the Kiwis earlier in the day.

The 33-year-old Richardson has previously raced against other opposition players and lost to England's Ashley Giles earlier this year.

Richardson wore a beige jumpsuit with a hood, in the style made famous by Australia's Cathy Freeman in her green-and-gold suit at the 2000 Sydney Olympics 400 metres final.

"We needed a win," the Kiwi opener said after his five-metre victory over a puffing Lehmann, 34.

"The only thing I'll be remembered for in Australia is stupidity!

"I'm always better over the last 10 (metres). Once I hit the hurdle and didn't fall over I thought I had it."

Richardson said he would donate his US$1,560 prize money to a charity for handicapped children.

Lehmann admitted drinking a few warm-up beers before the race.

The two cricketers had to jump a small beer keg midway through the contest. "He was too quick for me," Lehmann said.

The race was watched by about a thousand fans who stayed on after the completion of the second Test.