BOMBAY, 3 October 2004 — Opener Justin Langer hit a sparkling 108 to lead Australia’s impressive build-up in their drawn three-day tour match against Ranji Trophy champions Bombay yesterday.

Langer, out for 24 on the first day, swept and drove with authority and shared in a 142-run opening partnership with fellow left-hander Michael Clarke, who made 52. Australia reached 207 for one in their second innings before play was called off as a draw on the final day.

Langer smashed 12 fours and two sixes in his three-hour stay, attacking both left-arm spinner Nilesh Kulkarni and off spinner Ramesh Powar.

The 23-year-old Clarke, who has impressed as a one-day batsman, will be among the contenders for the No. 3 Test batting spot left vacant by captain Ricky Ponting’s injury.

Earlier, fast bowler Glenn McGrath grabbed 4-25 to bowl Bombay out for 255 soon after lunch, in reply to Australia’s first innings 302 for seven declared.

Fast bowler Brett Lee, who went wicketless on Friday, finished with two for 53. Amol Muzumdar topscored for Bombay with 52.

Captain Adam Gilchrist was happy with his team’s build-up for the first Test, starting in Bangalore on Wednesday. “It’s great preparation,” he said. “Having Justin is a big boost for us. It was a bright innings.”

He said Clarke had increased Australia’s batting options. “At No. 3 we have a few options. Clarke had an opportunity to open and he looked settled. He put forward a strong case.”

Onyango Saves Kenya’s Blushes

In Nairobi, allrounder Lamech Onyango restored Kenyan pride when he led their second-string team in a fightback against Namibia in the second day of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup here yesterday.

Onyango played his heart out with a brilliant knock of 67 that helped Kenya reach 258 and avoid a follow-on.

Kenya had made a poor start in reply to Namibia’s first innings of 357, with opener Malhar Patel, who made his debut during the ICC Champions Trophy in England, clean bowled for a nought.

Staring defeat in the face, new Kenyan captain Hitesh Modi steadied the ship soon after lunch with a 53 to accelerate the run-rate.

Onyango, the target of the heckling demonstrators Friday, kept the momentum with a quick 50 off 35 balls. He hit nine boundaries and two sixes before he became the third victim of the pace bowling of Namibian quickie Sarel Burger.

Namibia have a lead of 106 runs going into the third and final day today.

Pakistan Call Up Kamran Akmal as Backup for Moin

Pakistan have called up wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal as a backup for Moin Khan for the second match of a triangular One-Day series against Zimbabwe in Peshawar today.

“Moin is down with severe ‘flu and he might miss the match tomorrow. Kamran has been called as a backup to replace him if required,” Pakistan manager Haroon Rasheed said yesterday.

Haroon said captain Inzamam-ul-Haq could also miss the match because of a groin strain. Akmal, 23, has played six Tests and 12 One-Day Internationals. The series also features Sri Lanka.

Inzamam, meanwhile, said his side are determined to push Zimbabwe hard in the second match.

“It’s hard to find determination against an inexperienced Zimbabwe side but after they troubled us initially in the first game we will push them harder,” Inzamam told reporters at a press conference yesterday.

“You can’t take international matches lightly,” he said. “If you win against such an inexperienced side no one takes notice but when you lose against a weak side it’s a big thing,” said the Pakistan captain.