Bond cuts through Australian batting

Runs flowed as the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy from Australia took toll of some periods of loose bowling from their New Zealand counterparts on the first day of their second three-day game at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln University today.

Conditions were much warmer than for the first game played on the adjacent Lincoln Green and which ended in a draw on Wednesday.

However, a northerly breeze had its effect on the bowlers as a good portion of the Australian side's runs came from bowlers toiling into the wind.

But prospective CLEAR Black Cap Shane Bond, who was brought into the New Zealand Academy side as the result of injuries to local bowlers, thoroughly enjoyed the chance for some competitive matchplay.

The Australians declared at 304/9 off 78 overs. None of the visiting batsmen managed a large innings but three scored half centuries, Callum Ferguson (51), Jarrad Burke (52) and Cameron White (51).

But the most significant performer of the day was Bond who bowled 23 overs and ended with figures of seven for 55.

Bond struck right at the outset of the innings when having Peter Dickson caught at short leg by Luke Woodcock as he attempted to play a rising delivery.

However, the Australians scored at better than a run a minute for the remainder of the session and went to lunch at 140/2.

Bond struck back after lunch, when having the wickets of Mark Cosgrove and George Bailey within three balls. Soon a superb catch at third slip by Nathan McCullum produced another wicket for Bond and the Australians were 170/5.

The middle-order struck with a useful 53-run partnership between Beau Casson (32) and White and the visitors went to tea at 245/6.

The New Zealanders did not help themselves by failing to take at least six possible catches.

Wade Cornelius and Taraia Robin each picked up a wicket.