England XI beat the Australian Prime Minister’s XI by eight wickets in their tour game at Canberra.
Bethell misses out in easy England win
Peter Handscomb had declared the Australian Prime Minister’s XI on 308-8 late on day one of the two-day pink-ball game. In the remaining time, Emilio Gay and captain Tom Haines took the visitors to 29-0.
Against Michael Vaughan’s recommendations, England did not pick a single player from their XI from the Perth Test match in this game. The only three members from the full squad were fast bowlers Matthew Potts (who impressed on the first day) and Josh Tongue, and reserve batter Jacob Bethell.
Gay and Bethell continued without fuss on the second day, bringing up their respective fifties. All eyes were on Bethell, whom Ollie Pope had pipped as No.3 for the Perth Test. He emerged when Gay retired hurt with a hamstring injury, having hit 11 fours in a 61-ball 56.
But Bethell did not last. He made only 16 before edging Campbell Thompson to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis. Haines, meanwhile, went on to make 77 in 101 balls (13 fours) before Charlie Anderson trapped him leg-before.
England XI were 172-2 at this point, but the two wickets did not deter the visitors. James Rew (92 not out in 123 balls) and Asa Tribe (53 not out in 87 balls, four fours, one six) pushed them past the hosts’ total. England XI were 309-2 when the captains shook hands. The visitors were declared winners on first-innings lead. Haines was named the Player of the Match for his two wickets and a half-century.
Bethell may not replace Pope at Brisbane. However, with Mark Wood set to miss the Test, Potts might have made a case for himself (though the visitors may also bring in Shoaib Bashir).
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
