November 12, 2001	Monday	Shaba’an 25, 1422

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BRISBANE, Nov 11: The first cricket Test between Australia and New Zealand is heading towards a draw after rain forced play to be abandoned for the third straight day Sunday.

New Zealand were under pressure to avoid the follow-on midway through the fourth day when an electrical thunderstorm suddenly hit the ground and prevented any further play.

With only one day to go and the forecast of more rain, the opening match of the three-Test series now seems certain to finish in a draw.

When play was abandoned Sunday after less than four hours’ play, the Kiwis were 186 for five in their first innings, replying to Australia’s massive total of 486-9 declared.

Needing to make at least 287 to make Australia bat again, the New Zealanders were in trouble early when they lost four quick wickets but Nathan Astle steadied the innings with an unbeaten half-century.

Chris Cairns (25 not out) and Craig McMillan (45) also contributed valuable runs to steer the Kiwis towards the safety of the follow-on target after they lost 4-19 in the morning session.

Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie triggered the top-order collapse when he dismissed opener Matthew Bell on the sixth ball of the day.

Bell failed to add to his overnight score of six when Gillespie found the edge and Ricky Ponting safely held the catch at third slip.

Mark Richardson and Mathew Sinclair then defended grimly for almost an hour before Gillespie struck again, trapping Richardson lbw for 26 with an off cutter that straightened up on him.

Gillespie was on a hat trick after he dismissed Stephen Fleming for a duck when the Kiwi captain nervously poked at a ball outside off stump and gave a faint edge to wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

Brett Lee chipped in to get Sinclair with his first ball of the morning, Sinclair making just three runs before Ponting sent him on his way with a diving catch at point.

Astle and McMillan steadied the innings with a cautious 92-run partnership for the fifth wicket before their stand ended after lunch when Lee had McMillan caught by Shane Warne at first slip for 45.