Taunton (England), July18: South African Pair Neil Mckenzie and Monde Zondeki were bright spots for South Africa as their tour match against English country somerset faded into a draw on a rain-affected final day yesterday. In a match which did not start until after lunch, Mckenzie pushed his claim for a place in next week's first test against England as he top-scored with 82 not out to help the visitors extend their second innings total to 245 for four.
The tourists declared to leave somerset a mountain to climb of 327 in 35 overs and the county finished on 109 for three after another rain break. Zondeki, 20, followed up his five first-innings wickets with one for 20. South africa captain graeme smith declined to set up an exciting finish with an enterprising declaration, content to watch Mckenzie and Boeta dippenaar build on an overnight 126 for two against some tame bowling.

Dippenaar, unbeaten on 52 at the start, added just 16 before pulling Somerset trialist Gary Gilder to deep backward square where he was caught by Wes Durston.

Mckenzie scored an impressive 66 in the first innings and again produced some well-timed strokes to hit 12 fours in his 129-ball innings.

There was bad news for South Africa with Jacques Kallis' decision to stay at home with his critically ill father, meaning he could miss the first test which starts in Edgbaston next thursday.

Bureau Report.