Anderson sets standard for England in drawn tour game

England's match with a Western Australia XI ended in a predictable draw, with James Anderson comfortably the pick of the tourists' attack.

PERTH 05 November, 2017 18:56 IST

England's James Anderson celebrates after taking a wicket during a tour match against Western Australia XI at Perth. | Photo Credit: AFP

James Anderson led the way with four wickets as England's bowlers enjoyed a good workout on the second and final day of their opening Ashes tour match against a Western Australia XI.

It was agreed that both teams would bat for a full day in Perth, a decision that led to three WA XI batsmen returning for a 'second innings' on Sunday as the contest ended in a draw.

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The hosts ultimately closed on 342-10 in reply to England's 349-6 declared, top-order batsmen Josh Philippe and Clint Hinchcliffe having contributed 88 and 75 respectively.

England struggled to make an impact with the ball early on as the aggressive Philippe dominated an opening stand of 80 in 14 overs with Nick Hobson (19).

That's the end of the match. WA XI finish 342/10 after we spent the day in the field.

Four for @jimmy9 https://t.co/URgVGIvn6Y pic.twitter.com/aADT6e3wBn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 5, 2017

The WA XI duly moved to 242-4 against an attack that looked understandably rusty, but lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter, with Anderson particularly impressive in returning 4-27 from 13 overs.

Fellow seamer Craig Overton, who has been tipped to make his Test debut in the Ashes opener at the Gabba starting on November 23, was expensive as he returned 2-70 from 13 overs, while spinner Mason Crane picked up 2-75 from 17.

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Stuart Broad (1-64), Chris Woakes (0-53) and Jake Ball (1-31) also got overs under their belt on a day that ended with Will Bosisto, Aaron Hardie and Jake Carder batting for a second time.