MELBOURNE, 13 October 2003 — Rain halted Australia’s push toward a big win in the first Test against Zimbabwe at the WACA in Perth yesterday.
The Australians were just one wicket away from victory when rain forced an early end to the fourth day with Zimbabwe 272 for nine in their second innings, needing a further 224 runs to make Australia bat a second time. Zimbabwe resumed at 87 for two and slumped to 156 for seven by lunch. They lost another two wickets in the middle session and seemed certain to be heading toward defeat when the skies opened.
Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak was unbeaten on 42 with Ray Price not out 17 after they managed to frustrate the Australians with a 38-run partnership.
Streak also shared an 83-run stand with Sean Ervine for the eighth wicket as the Australians struggled to fill the hole left by injured bowlers Jason Gillespie and Stuart MacGill.
