Cricket: Black Caps restrict NSW to narrow lead on a day of yawns

SYDNEY - A dogged bowling performance made amends for a worrying first-up batting effort as New Zealand kept New South Wales within range at the halfway mark of their four-day match in Sydney yesterday.

In marked contrast to their batting effort on Thursday, New Zealand stuck to their task in the field during a languid day's play, although they will not have created any tremors among the Australian top-order batsmen.

New South Wales ended the day 65 runs ahead at 278 for six, with some lusty blows from Brett Lee, including a straight six off Jacob Oram, providing some overdue excitement as the shadows lengthened.

Ian Butler and James Franklin were the pick of the Black Caps' bowlers, each claiming three wickets. The collective effort of Franklin, Butler, Oram and Chris Martin lacked the intimidation factor, but they at least maintained a nagging line and length to eke out wickets before New South Wales could construct a damaging partnership.

The hosts went to lunch with a solid launching pad at 106 for two, after resuming at 26 for one, but New Zealand frustrated them into submission, with four wickets in the middle session.

The scoring rate was so pedestrian before a handful of bored schoolchildren and committed enthusiasts that it took New South Wales 90 overs to overhaul New Zealand's substandard 213.

A limp attempt at a pitch invasion summed up the general malaise. Security officials could not be bothered nabbing the wobbly patron, who simply rejumped the fence and retook his seat.

At least the New Zealand side could argue they had to bat in fading light and rain on Thursday, mitigating factors the New South Wales side could not fall back on in bright sunshine.

New South Wales crawled past the New Zealand total thanks to a 54-run seventh-wicket partnership between Jason Krejza (54) and Matthew Nicholson (23).

Styris employed defensive field placings.

- NZPA