Returning Hales and skipper Morgan help England to tour victory

England recorded a one-day tour victory over a Cricket Australia XI in Sydney, where Alex Hales made 52 on his return to the team.

Published : Jan 11, 2018 18:30 IST

Alex Hales scored 52 batting at No. 3.
Alex Hales scored 52 batting at No. 3.
lightbox-info

Alex Hales scored 52 batting at No. 3.

Alex Hales made a half-century on his return to England duty and captain Eoin Morgan led the tourist to a five-wicket victory over a Cricket Australia XI with an unbeaten 81 in a tour match in Sydney on Thursday.

Hales had not played for his country since his involvement in an incident in Bristol in September, which saw team-mate Ben Stokes arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. Stokes is waiting to learn if he will be charged and the star all-rounder missed the Ashes as a consequence, with England losing the Test series 4-0 in his absence.

Mackenzie Harvey hits 59

Hales was not arrested or charged but may still face internal disciplinary action from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following the conclusion of the police investigation.

The 29-year-old made 52 batting at No. 3 at Drummoyne Oval, where the host had posted 258 for 9 from its 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Travis Dean (62) and Mackenzie Harvey (59).

Read: Bayliss to step down as England coach next year

With four fours and as many maximums in his rapid 48-ball knock, 17-year-old Harvey channelled his uncle Ian Harvey, who made 73 one-day international appearances for Australia, to impress despite his inexperience. 

Spinner Adil Rashid (3 for 45) led England's wicket-takers, while Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett claimed two scalps apiece for an attack missing the rested James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Moeen struggles

The experienced pair nevertheless remained inseparable as they seized on an opportunity to recover from their unrewarded exertions in longest format by visiting a beach together in Queensland. Openers Jason Roy (40) and Jonny Bairstow (36) were unable to convert their starts into big scores, but Hales and Morgan, together with Jos Buttler (28) and Sam Billlings (15 not out) helped England across the line.

Despite finally finding some form with the ball, Moeen again struggled with the bat. He was out for just one to Gabe Bell (2 for 35), who was one of two Cricket Australia XI players to bag two wickets alongside Daniel Fallins (2 for 56).

There was also a return to light duties for Joe Root, who carried the drinks after being hospitalised due to viral gastroenteritis during the final Ashes Test at the SCG.

England returns to competitive action at the MCG on Sunday in the first of five ODIs.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment