Cricket: Alleyne leads advance

England A 401-7 v South Island

MARK ALLEYNE continued to play the captain's part for England A this morning, completing a century and steering his side beyond 400 by lunch on the second day of their match against South Island in Christchurch.

Resuming on 53 with the overnight score at 294 for 5, Alleyne moved on to 115 not out by the interval, building on the solid start made yesterday with the help of the left-handed opener, Ian Ward, and the prolific Vikram Solanki, who both made fifties. Ward diligently compiled his off 123 balls, hitting 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 was deprived of the chance to join them with a half-century by a mix-up that led to him being run out for 45. After David Sales made 22, Rob Turner came in and this morning completed a useful 40.

Lunch today

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 c Wiseman b Wisneski 40

R C Irani c Inglefield b Wiseman 8

S D Thomas not out 18

Extras (lb12 nb5) 17

Total (for 7, 120 overs) 401

Fall: 1-59 2-114 3-170 4-199 5-237 6-317 7-355.

To Bat: M K Davies, A Sheriyar.

Bowling (overnight): 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.