Half-century boost but England struggle again
Gary Ballance struck a half-century but England again struggled with the bat in their latest Ashes tour match.
The tourists made just 212-7 declared on the opening day of their game with the Cricket Australia Chairman's XI – perhaps the weakest opposition they have faced so far Down Under – in Alice Springs.
Ballance staked his claim to replace the departed Jonathan Trott with an impressive 55 before being run out, but several England batsmen hoping to find form following the struggles of the first Test were again found badly wanting.
Opener Michael Carberry made just six, while Joe Root was out for 22 and Matt Prior 19.
Warwickshire's Ian Bell went for 13 to leave England stuttering on 149-6 at one stage, before late hitting from Jonny Bairstow (31 not out) and Graeme Swann (29) restored some respectability. The home side closed on 16-0 and tomorrow is likely to see Boyd Rankin, Steve Finn and Ben Stokes stake their claim for a place in the second Test, which starts in Adelaide next week.
They will face competition from Tim Bresnan, who was today set to join England's party after helping the England Performance Programme to a draw against Queensland second XI in Brisbane.
