Related Link : The Ashes
New South Wales led by Opener Phil Jaques’s century made England toil hard in their 3-day match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue for the fifth and final Ashes Test. The homeside raced away to 325 for 5 in the 90 overs bowled in the day’s play after their skipper Simon Katich had won the toss.
Left handed Phil Jacques had scored 107 with 11 fours and 2 sixes. Just a couple of days back he had scored a match winning century against England which was for the Prime Minister’s XI in the One-Day match at Canberra. Also amongst the runs were Simon Katich who worked hard for his 68 and Michael Clarke who made a well paced 50. The comeback man Ashley Giles was the most successful bowler for England capturing two wickets for 46 after sending down 15 overs. His competitor, Monty Panesar took a wicket having bowled 18 overs. Harmison and Anderson were the other two wicket takers. The Skipper Andrew Flintoff failed to get a wicket but worked his way to some good bowling fitness with 15 overs.
Both sides have mutually agreed to play with 14 players with 11 to bat and field. England’s wicket keeper was Geraint Jones and reports have come out that Geraint Jones will keep in the 1st Ashes Test instead of Chris Read according to Duncan Fletcher, the first test begins on the 23rd at Brisbane. The New South Wales team is packed with nine players who have already represented Australia! Even Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken are featuring in this match, so all in all it should be good practice for England just before the 1st Test!