Match ends in a draw

NAPIER, MARCH 20. Justin Langer's continued good batting form was a highlight as Australia's three-day tour cricket match against Central Districts ended in a draw on Monday.

The captains agreed to end play 30 minutes early with Australia 186 for four in its second innings, chasing a victory target of 274.

Langer scored 79, taking his tour average to 68.6, but his dismissal prompted West Australian teammates Damien Martyn (61 not out) and Adam Gilchrist (10 not out) to wind up the run chase.

Langer and Martyn put on 98 runs for the fourth-wicket after Australia fell to 63 for three, losing Matthew Hayden (1), Greg Blewett (14) and captain Stephen Waugh (6).

Paceman Lance Hamilton (three for 67) finished with seven wickets for the match as Central Districts fought through the second innings without injured fast bowler Michael Mason.

Earlier, Damien Fleming (three for 55) picked up two more wickets before Central Districts declared at 320 for nine, following a 64-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Jacob Oram (78) and Mason (30 not out).

The Australian squad travels to Wellington on Tuesday to finalise preparations for Friday's second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.

The Aussies won the first Test at Auckland.

The scores: Central Districts 160 (M. Douglas 30, Damien Fleming five for 21) and 320 for nine decl. (D. Kelly 67, Mathew Sinclair 75, Jacob Oram 78, Michael Mason 30 not out, Damien Fleming three for 55, Michael Kasprowicz three for 73) drew with Australia 207 (Mark Waugh 93 not out, Lance Hamilton four for 76, Mathew Penn three for 59) and 186 for four (Justin Langer 79, Damien Martyn 61 not out, Lance Hamilton three for 67).

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Section  : Sport
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