Drum makes noise against PM XI

New Zealand paceman Chris Drum all but guaranteed a walk up start in next month's triangular one-day cricket series by inspiring a four wicket win over the Prime Minister's XI here today.

Late tour replacement Drum took 5-34 including an opening eight over spell of 4-8 to help reduce the Prime Minister's XI to 7-217 before Nathan Astle (85 not out) guided New Zealand to 6-222 with two overs to spare.

Astle brought up the winning runs with a six but stand-in Kiwi captain Craig McMillan said little could be read into their performance before the up-coming one-day series which will also feature Australia and South Africa.

The win continued a promising tour for New Zealand which came within three wickets of upsetting world champions Australia in their recent three-Test series.

"We surprised a lot of people (who) didn't expect us to compete as well, or get as close to Australia, as we did (in the Test series drawn 0-0," he said.

"A lot of people are sitting up and taking notice of us now.

"We're looking forward to coming back here after Christmas and giving the one day series a real shake."

New Zealand will contest a two-Test series at home against Bangladesh before returning to Australia for the triangular one day series starting in January.

As a nursery for future Australian international cricketers, the match here today provided a few helpful pointers to Test selectors who watched the game.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Brad Haddin (35) gave his usual big-hitting display before becoming the first of Drum's victims.

PM's XI skipper Greg Blewett brought his side's innings together with 41 and local ACT player Jack Smith, who hit a century against the Black Caps during a previous tour game, top-scored for the side with 48 not out.

Paceman Stuart Clark (2-36) and leg-spinner Cameron White (2-44) turned in economical performances for the Prime Minister's XI.

The game completed a dismal Australian tour for batsman Matthew Bell who scored a duck today after being dropped from the Test side in the Australian series.