Black Caps Draw In Perth

New Zealand will head to Adelaide and the third and final test still with a chance to square their test series with Australia.

The second test ended in a draw at the Waca today, New Zealand reaching 104 for two, in the always improbable pursuit of 321 to win the test.

Earlier Australia declared their second innings at 385 for seven.

Tim Southee was the pick of the New Zealand attack, finishing with four for 97, while there were two wickets for left armer Trent Boult and one for hard working Doug Bracewell.

Australian quick Mitchell Johnson, on his final day of test cricket, having announced his retirement in the morning, ripped out two last wickets to end with a smile - and was carried shoulder high from the field by fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Tom Latham hooked a catch to fine leg and Martin Guptill jabbed a catch to Joe Burns at short leg.

Howver first innings batting heroes, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor shut the door on any lingering Australian hopes of what would have been a sensational win.

At the finish, first innings centurymakers Williamson and Taylor were on 32 and 36 respectively.

The third test starts at Adelaide Oval on Friday next week.

New Zealand have a two-day pink ball game in Perth on Friday and Saturday as preparation for the first day-night test.

NZ Herald