England ready themselves for the Test arena
England’s three day warm-up fixture against Bangladesh A has offered up a mixed set of results for those participating. Jonathan Trott played a free flowing innings, notching 101 at number three from 134 balls. There were runs too for Ian Bell, 47, and a blistering innings from Matt Prior – 69 runs from just 21 balls. That’s an almighty strike rate of 328.57. Whilst some batsman had a field day, others had a time to forget.
Jonathan Trott's century is a timely return to form for England
Michael Carberry, the Hampshire batsman who is being widely tipped to replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the order in the first Test on Friday, managed just five runs. The biggest concern for England in the batting department right now, however, is undoubtedly Kevin Pietersen. The former captain made just two runs here, being dismissed by Mehrab Hossain jnr. No prizes for guessing Hussain jnr’s bowling action, either – slow left-arm. The miserable pattern continues.
Concerns abound with the Bangladeshi batting department too, as ex-captain Mohammad Ashraful mustered a solitary run as he tries to press his claims for a recall to the Test team. He fell victim to the highly impressive James Tredwell. The Kent off-spinner finished with pleasing figures of 6-95 as the hosts were dismissed for 202. He will surely play in tandem with Graham Swann during the first Test.
There were also two wickets for Middlesex seamer Steven Finn who was called up to the Test squad this week as cover for Stuart Broad and Graham Onions following the departure from the tour of Ryan Sidebottom. It could prove essential to England that Finn is in good rhythm come Friday.
At the time of writing Bangladesh A are back out batting on 31/0. Tredwell will no doubt be licking his lips and will be desperate for four more wickets to make it 10 for the match. Pietersen too, will be willing his team mate on to claim those wickets and quickly, so that he can have another go out in the middle. Unfortunately this fixture appears to be throwing up more questions than solutions for Alastair Cook and England. Please feel free to check back tomorrow for the result.
By Miles Reucroft
March 8th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
I hope Finn plays, of that second string of England bowlers he looks the best of the lot. Offers pace and bounce, not many can offer that for us right now. Good to see Trott and Prior in the runs, though that strike rate for Prior can’t be right surely?! I don’t think we’ll have any trouble beating Bangladesh, the only issue will be, will KP get some runs? Disappointing that one man overrides so much else, but its a fact!