England suffer big defeat

England suffered a 166 run defeat at the hands of the Prime Minister’s XI today at the Manuka Oval in Canberra in their first match of the tour.

On a benign pitch England captain Andrew Flintoff made the surprise decision to send the PM’s XI in after winning the toss.

After Tim Paine went early Phil Jaques made the England team pay a heavy toll for inserting the hosts.

With the help of Mark Cosgrove and Travis Birt the PM’s XI were at one stage 214-4 in the 37th over with Phil Jaques 112 from just 110 balls leading the way.

What followed was simply a massacre with over 100 being added from the last ten overs. Shaun Marsh 78 not out from just 56 balls, was ably supported by Adam Voges 39 off 32 balls and captain Cameron White managed 30 not out from 14 balls taking the hosts to 347-5 from their 50 overs.

In reply England crumbled to be all out for 181 with only Andrew Strauss scoring 67 and Paul Collingwood 35 showing any resistance.

The stars for the PM’s XI with the ball were Shaun Tait 3-21 and Adam Ritchard 2-24.

Although it was not the start England were looking for, they will be content in the knowledge that things can only improve from here.

Prime Minister’s XI 347-5
Phil Jaques 112, Shaun Marsh 78*
Ashley Giles 1-53

Prime Minister’s XI won by 166 runs

England XI 181
Andrew Strauss 67, Paul Collingwood 35
Shaun Tait 3-21

Cricket Web Man of The Match: Phil Jaques