Aussies hold out for draw

Adam Gilchrist smashed an unbeaten 83 off 109 balls to give Australia a glimpse of victory on the final day of the Third and deciding Test against New Zealand in Perth today.

But the home side, chasing a world-record 440 to win, finished the day on 381 for seven to tie the three-Test series 0-0.

The Aussies were grateful for two controversial not-out decisions by umpire Ian Robinson, when Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie appeared to have been caught behind.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell became the England Academy XI's third century-maker as his side reached 601 for eight declared on the second day of their four-day game against their Australian counterparts in Adelaide.

At the close, the home side were 217 for four.