Aussies still trail as rain ends play early

Australia

Australia still trailed Somerset by 54 runs at stumps on day two of their Ashes warm-up match, as rain ended proceeding around tea time and the Aussies reached 266 for four in their first innings.

Australia still trailed Somerset by 54 runs at stumps on day two of their Ashes warm-up match, as rain ended proceeding around tea time and the Aussies reached 266 for four in their first innings.

The visitors started the day on two for none in their pursuit of the 320 the Taunton side posted on day one. Shane Watson, opening the batting, went on to make a classy 90 off 94 balls, while Ed Cowan was out for three just after play began.

Watson, who was confirmed as opener for the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, struck 20 fours in his knock, leaving just 10 runs that saw him move from wicket to wicket. He was eventually out with the score on 147, caught by Peter Trego off Jamie Overton.

Usman Khawaja, coming in at three, made 27 before being caught by James Hildreth off Craig Meschede, and the bowler in question also claimed the wicket of Aussie skipper Michael Clarke, who had made 45 upon his return from injury.

At the close, Phil Hughes and Brad Haddin were going strong in the middle, with the young batsman on 44 and the veteran wicketkeeper on 38. Their pace was much more sedate than their predecessors though, but looked solid as the rain arrived.

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