Cricket: Tourists hit by injuries
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A FOUR-STRONG injury list before England A's tour has begun in earnest is the only blot on their landscape following Saturday's encouraging seven-wicket win over a strong Country Districts XI in Harare.
Paul Hutchison and Steve Harmison (back stiffness), Melvyn Betts (groin) and Robert Key (finger) were all unavailable for the first match of the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The tourists were dusting the cobwebs out of their system but England made the most of the time available before the first match and, given a little early rust which allowed the Zimbabweans to post 195 in their 50 overs, England were positive throughout.
The opening pair of Darren Maddy and Mal Loye got away to a fine start with a partnership worth 116 from 24 overs. With captain Michael Vaughan coming once Maddy departed, the Yorkshireman ensured there was no possibility of the innings losing momentum.
Maddy had reason to be pleased, having filled the bowling gap left by injuries with his occasional medium-pacers.
"I don't know how I get away with it to be honest, but these wickets tend to suit me being slow and low," the Leicestershire batsman said. "At my pace I try to bowl line and length and get a few to swing."
As for England's second match, against Zimbabwe Academy XI today, they will find themselves up against some familiar faces in Worcestershire's Nathan Batson and Mark Wagh, of Warwickshire, who are spending the winter at the Academy, which is run by the former Worcestershire coach Dave Houghton.
Batson played in three championship matches last season, while Wagh's 14 matches for Warwickshire and Oxford University produced two centuries and three fifties.
Scoreboard, Digest, page 20
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments