Australia's and New Zealand's Academies played out a draw in the opening game of the Southern Hemisphere Academies tournament being played in Townsville yesterday.

New Zealand batted on with the intention of getting 100 runs in front and declaring in what were ideal conditions.

However, best laid plans and all that, crumbled when Ian Sandbrook soon misjudged the line to be bowled after a partnership of 40 and pace bowler Adam Fleming quickly wrapped up the tail.

Iain Robertson was left undefeated on a well-constructed innings of 43, where he mixed cautious defence with controlled aggression.

Sixty runs behind, the Australian batsmen started aggressively but lost opener Chris Simpson when he attempted a pull shot off Mark Gillespie.

By lunch, Darren Wotherspoon and Craig Simmons had eliminated the deficit as Australia were 62/1.

Three quick wickets fell after the break as Australia slumped to 84/4. Liam Buchanan backed up his first innings effort by settling into a productive partnership with Wes Robinson.

Buchanan raced to 60 off 62 balls before he edged New Zealand off-spinner Jeetan Patel to Jamie How at slip to end an 81-run stand.

Two overs later Patel struck again when snaring Beau Casson at short midwicket with the score at 165/6, an overall lead of 105.

Robinson and David Dawson survived until the tea break when the score was 176/6.

They added a total of 44-runs before Dawson was a victim of Patel's drifting flight and he was caught by Jordan Sheed at forward square leg.

With a minimum of 21 overs remaining to be bowled and with an overall lead of 147 the game was still far from over from the New Zealand team's perspective.

Left-handed Robinson continued to bat positively, bringing up his half century off 115 balls. He and Aaron Bird scored 54 for the eighth wicket taking the game to a position of safety before Bird was caught at mid off hitting airily at Gillespie.

Brett Geeves was the final wicket taken, as Mark Cosgrove was unable to bat after injuring himself at the bowling crease the previous day. Stumps were drawn early with the Australians 225 ahead with the match petering out to a draw.

New Zealand Academy director Dayle Hadlee said: "The day produced many positives as the pace bowlers found better rhythm, restricting their no balls significantly, and the time taken between overs was greatly reduced.

"Jeetan Patel bowled with control, utilising a gentle breeze to his advantage. It was heartening to see the successful return to the bowling crease of Kyle Mills and James McMillan after their rehabilitation from injuries," he said.

© CricInfo