Thorough workout for England bowlers

Seamers Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and company were afforded comprehensive exercise on day one of England's four-day tour fixture against Cricket Australia's Invitational XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Seamers Stuart Broad, Steven Finn and company were afforded comprehensive exercise on day one of England's four-day tour fixture against Cricket Australia's Invitational XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Fellow half-centurions Ryan Carters and Peter Nevill, in particular, truly tested the visitors' zeal during an unbroken 178-run alliance in 58 overs, which carried the hosts to a fine total of 271 for five at the close of play.
Searching for prime fitness and form ahead of the opening Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane next week, Broad was the pick of the fast bowlers. The lanky right-armer secured figures of three for 36 in 20 overs, including the key dismissals of the threatening Aaron Finch and Callum Ferguson.
Finn, meanwhile, was promising in patches – but the Ireland-born Boyd Rankin was unable to set himself apart from fellow Test contender Chris Tremlett. Spinner Graeme Swann characteristically complemented the seamers, while part-timers Joe Root and Jonathan Trott made up the numbers during quiet periods.
Opener Ed Cowan, over looked for the Australian squad, offered the selectors food for thought. The talented left-hander struck nine boundaries en route to a solid 51 before perishing to Finn.
His departure paved the way for Carters and Nevill, who were remarkably at ease against this international attack. Admittedly, the pitch and overhead conditions were entirely conducive to batting. Skipper Alastair Cook's decision to bowl first remained correct, regardless.
Carters ended proceedings on 94 not out, while Nevill moved to an unbeaten 76. A century each is on the cards come Thursday, as is 350-plus total. The hosts won't be bothered by an extended stretch in the field. It's their bowlers, not batsman, requiring the additional match practice.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow will take heart from Tuesday's performance. Drafted into the XI in the absence of the injured Matt Prior, Bairstow was largely sound – and took the catch to get rid of Finch.
Latest
-
England
Jamie Overton happy to entertain on rollercoaster England Test debut
The pace bowler fell three runs short of a remarkable century at Headingley.
-
England
England have Headingley buzzing again as late burst rocks New Zealand
The tourists will resume on Sunday 137 runs ahead with five wickets down.
-
England
Jamie Overton falls just short of debut century for England in tight third Test
Overton was caught behind for 97 in the morning session.
-
England
Azeem Rafiq attends third day of Headingley Test as guest of Yorkshire
Rafiq enjoyed Saturday’s action from a balcony at the Pavilion End
-
England
Jamie Overton falls just short of debut Test century as England take narrow lead
Newcomer Overton was caught behind for 97.
-
England
George Scrimshaw holds final-over nerves to guide Derbyshire past Lancashire
Scrimshaw successfully defended the 10 runs in the final over.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow and England looking to ‘take the game forward’
Bairstow hit a run-a-ball hundred for the second Test in succession as England fought back spectacularly against New Zealand.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century leads thrilling England fightback at Headingley
The Yorkshireman made 130 not out and put on 209 with debutant Jamie Overton to rescue his side from 55 for six against New Zealand.
-
England
England top order left in tatters as New Zealand gain upper hand at Headingley
The hosts were 93 for six in reply to New Zealand’s 329 all out.
-
New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell breaks record with another century against England
Mitchell broke Martin Donnelly’s New Zealand tally of 492 runs in a series in England, set back in 1949.