Casson century stymies result, but McCullum hits out anyway

Temperatures might have been cool later in the day but the batting was sizzling on the last day of the second three-day game between the New Zealand and Australian Academies at Bert Sutcliffe Oval today.

The game ended in a draw but not before some of the best batting of the series so far.

The Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy batted after New Zealand declared overnight. Mark Cosgrove's stay was limited however, as he departed second ball of the innings, caught at third slip by Nathan McCullum from Shane Bond's bowling.

Jarrod Burke came in as if he had a bus to catch. He struck four successive boundaries from Wade Cornelius' second over. He scored 30 runs from 38 balls before he was out to Nathan McCullum's off-spin while Peter Dickson proved the rock of the innings, especially when he was joined by Beau Casson.

They added 55 runs at nearly run a ball pace before Dickson was caught down the leg-side from Taraia Robin's bowling, on 49 from 70 balls.

Lunch was taken with the CBCA at 166/4 and Casson 47 not out. Casson scored his half century off 69 balls, but then by the drinks break he had only advanced to 78 not out. Any hope of a target being set for New Zealand was lost as the Australians looked to allow Casson to score a century.

By working the singles he reached the goal after 143 balls in 188 minutes, and the innings was declared at 236/6 with New Zealand left needing 276 off 37 overs - an impractical target.

Nathan McCullum showed how much he has relished his recent bowling load by taking four for 103 from his 25 overs.

Brendon McCullum livened proceedings with a hard-hitting assault at the top of the New Zealand order. He lost Jamie How who had contributed five of the opening stand of 43, but went on to score 72 off 47 balls, his 50 coming off only 28 balls with 42 runs, including one six, coming in boundaries. In his innings overall 58 of his runs came in boundaries.

But apart from McCullum New Zealand's batting struggled and when play was called off the side was 125/5. Leg-spinner Cameron White took two for six from his seven overs.

The sides now play four one-day games, also at Lincoln.