England beat Prime Minister’s XI by seven wickets
England are on a roll as they thrashed Prime Minister’s XI by seven wickets in a 50-over tour match in Canberra, Australia on Monday.
The warm-up match before the Twenty20 series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 was held at Manuka Oval, Canberra and was reduced due to untimely rains. The home team set a target of 255 in 43 overs.
Ian Bell, who is fresh from his 2010-11 Ashes heroics, continued his fantastic form. He smashed thirteen fours and a six as he made an unbeaten 124 runs. He was aptly supported by wicketkeeper Steve Davies (24) and Jonathan Trott who came close to a half-century
but was caught by Tim Paine off Xavier Doherty’s delivery for 48 runs.
Kevin Pietersen contributed 13 runs off 14 balls before being bowled by Brett Lee.
Eoin Morgan walked up to the crease when England needed just six runs to win the match and Bell cracked up a six to bring up the victory for the visitors.
Earlier, the English bowlers showed great mettle against the Prime Minister’s XI. Right-arm fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajmal-Shahzad-c42489 took three wickets for 61 runs along with left arm slow bowler Michael Yardy who picked up three wickets for 33 runs.
The Prime Minister’s XI total of 254 was built around their captain Tim Paine’s half century and Daniel Christian’s 53. Callum Ferguson also contributed 39 runs. Returning pacer Brett Lee scored an unbeaten 26 runs.
England captain Paul Collingwood took some calculated decisions when he introduced spin in the 11th over and James Tredwell caught and bowled Khawaja. Paine followed soon when he was caught out leg before wicket off Michael Yardy. The wickets
kept falling for the home side and although they managed a decent score, they could not come out victorious.
Bell, who has not played Twenty20 for England since 2008, was in superb form and could now offer the selectors another choice to push for an opening berth against Australia in the absence of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Craig-Kieswetter-c51708.
England will begin their two-match Twenty 20 series against Australia from 12 January 2011.
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