Ballance: If I do get picked, I think I'll be ready
Batsman Gary Ballance ended a short string of low scores to form the backbone of England's total on day one of a key two-day tour fixture against the Cricket Australia Chairman's XI.
Batsman Gary Ballance ended a short string of low scores to form the backbone of England's total on day one of a key two-day tour fixture against the Cricket Australia Chairman's XI.
Out for a duck against the Western Australia Chairman's XI in Perth and just four versus Australia A in Hobart, Ballance enjoyed a solid turnaround en route to a patient 55 at Traeger Park in Alice Springs on Friday.
His half-century was the top score in a disappointing total of 212 for seven declared, after which the hosts' replied with 16 without loss.
The commanding vigil largely enhanced the talented left-hander's chances of replacing the right-handed Jonathan Trott, who has left the tour due to a stress-related illness, in the Test XI.
"It would have been nice to push on and get a ton, but I've given myself that bit of confidence so that, if I do get picked, I think I'll be ready. It'd be a great feeling to make a Test debut. But I don't want to look too far ahead," said Ballance.
"It's obviously frustrating not getting scores, after the decent season I had in England. But I knew if I worked hard in the nets and had the opportunity, I could score some runs. It might be a little bit of a relief, but you're going to go through patches where you get a few low scores. I still felt confident coming into the game.
"That's how it works in cricket – after a few low scores, you kind of take a bit of time to get used to the situation. But once I'd batted for a few overs, I felt a bit more comfortable – like it was any other innings."
The 24-year-old Ballance's stay was ended in the wake of some poor communication with captain Ian Bell, who is leading the side in the absence of the rested Alastair Cook, which resulted in a run-out.
"You've just got to take it as any other game, especially with not having much time in the middle since I've been here. The new ball did a bit, and they bowled well and got the ball to seam a bit," he added.
Latest
-
NewsSam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
The wicketkeeper will captain the side for the tour match against South Africa.
-
NewsMoeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The HundredAlex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.
-
NewsRichard Thompson named as new ECB chair and pledges to restore trust in cricket
The 55-year-old will leave is role at Surrey.
-
EnglandJos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
NewsHarry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
The HundredNathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
NewsJofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
NewsNorthern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
NewsLiam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.