Batsmen thrive as Test ends in a draw

Retiring Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson claimed two final wickets as the second Test against New Zealand ended in a draw at the WACA here on Tuesday.

The home side declared at 385 for seven after lunch, leaving the Kiwis needing an unlikely 321 to win from 48 overs to level the series, at almost seven runs per over.

A shower delayed play for about an hour and the Kiwis showed little appetite for the chase when they resumed in a match dominated by the bat on a lifeless pitch.

When stumps was called early with 20 overs left, the Kiwis were 104 for two, with Ross Taylor on 36 and Kane Willia­mson on 32. Having won the first Test by 208 run at the Gabba, the result means Australia have retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Johnson, who announced his retirement from international cricket before the day’s play, provided something to cheer about for the final day crowd when he claimed the wickets of both Kiwi openers.

He had Tom Latham caught on the fine leg boundary for 15, Josh Hazlewood sliding in to take a fine catch. Johnson, 34, then surprised Martin Guptill (17) with a rising delivery and he fended a catch to Joe Burns at short leg.

Given a guard of honour by the Kiwis when came out to bat earlier in the day, the left-armer finished with 2/20 from six overs, a vastly improved return on his 1/157 in the first innings.

A draw had looked the most likely result when Australia resumed the day’s play with centurions Steve Smith and Adam Voges at the crease. But the Kiwis removed both before lunch to briefly revive their hopes of a remarkable comeback win.