Cricket: Solanki adds sparkle

England A 294-5 v South Island

THREE HALF-CENTURIES helped England A to make steady if unspectacular progress on the first day of their game with South Island in Christchurch.

Mark Alleyne, Ian Ward and the prolific Vikram Solanki all passed 50 after the tourists chose to bat on another day marked by showers and a chill, blustery wind. The openers, Michael Gough and Ward, dealt well with the early movement to post their fifth half-century opening partnership of the tour.

The left-handed Ward took 123 balls to reach his 50, having hit only three fours, and went on to make 60, but Solanki was much quicker, clocking up his half-century from 96 balls, with five fours before falling for 59. Marcus Trescothick and Alleyne continued the good work before a mix- up led to Trescothick being run out for 45. David Sales then contributed 22 before Rob Turner joined Alleyne, who was unbeaten on 53 at the close.

ENGLAND A - First Innings

M A Gough c Wiseman b Martin 17

I J Ward c Hopkins b Wisneski 60

V S Solanki b Wisneski 59

M E Trescothick run out 45

M W Alleyne not out 53

D J G Sales c Lawson b Wisneski 22

*R J Turner not out 29

Extras (lb4 nb5) 9

Total (for 5, 99 overs) 294

Fall: 1-59 2-114 3-170 4-199 5-237.

To Bat: R C Irani, S D Thomas, M K Davies, A Sheriyar.

Bowling: Bulfin 18-3-69-0; Wisneski 23-7-71-3; Martin 16-7-36-1; Wiseman 30-7-77-0; Redmond 11-1-31-0; Richardson 1-0-6-0.