Hodd leads faltering tourists to safety

Victoria Institute of Sport 354; England Under-19 335-8 Match drawn

Andrew Hodd was England's hero as the Under-19 side clung on despite a late collapse to draw their two-day match with with Victoria Institute of Sport here yesterday.

Hodd scored a superb unbeaten 104 to keep the tourists' hopes alive as England, facing a victory target of 355 yesterday morning, stumbled to 335 for 8 at the close to tie the game.

Hodd was ably assisted by Luke Wright, who struck 77, while Ravinder Bopara's 54 compensated for the early loss of Neil Edwards, which had left England 40 for 2.

Close of play came just at the right time though for England, who were faltering when Liam Plunkett, Simon Cusden and Mark Lawson fell in quick succession for a combined contribution of just two runs.

Peter Siddle did much of the damage, claiming 4 for 45, but Hodd proved a match for him as England held on.

UNDER-19 TOUR MATCH (Melbourne): Victoria Institute of Sport 354 (M L Innes 75, M G Simpson 74 no, T Lamb 63, L J Wright 4-66); England Under-19 335 for 8 (A J Hodd 104no, L J Wright 77, R S Bopara 54, P M Siddle 4-45). Match drawn.