Cricket: Batting strength precludes result

Australia 306-3dec and 303-5 dec England 326-8 dec and 64-0 Match drawn

Australia 306-3dec and 303-5 dec England 326-8 dec and 64-0 Match drawn

THE SECOND women's Test between England and Australia ended in a tame draw yesterday. The Harrogate pitch conceded 999 runs over the four days and provided the bowlers with little reward, as just 16 wickets fell.

The visitors racked up 303 for 5 in their second innings before declaring, giving England a target of 283 in 45 overs. Lisa Keightley was the top- scorer with 90 from 191 balls with 12 fours while Karen Rolton, Belinda Clark and Joanne Broadbent registered their second half-centuries of the match.

However, when rain interrupted play the captains agreed to end the game early with the England openers Charlotte Edwards and Kathryn Leng having made 64 from 15 overs.

England have already named an unchanged squad for the final Test of the series at Worcester which starts on August 21.