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Canterbury Match Report

Wickets Again
By Site Staff
March 17 2002
Match report from England's final preperatory match against Canterbury. Caddick's in amongst the wickets again, and Michael Vaughan assured himself a test place with a superb 156.

Canterbury Vs. England 2002 - Match Drawn

England's final warm up game ended in a tame draw, but it gave the opportunity for England's frontline batsmen to spend lengthy periods in the middle on a good pitch. Michael Vaughan's mammoth 156 demonstrates just how valuable this practice is for England.

Canterbury had first use of the pitch, after Nasser Hussain again won the toss (be interesting to see if his luck changes come the test series!). It took just 4.3 overs before the in-form Andy Caddick struck, Nasser Hussain holding the catch to remove opener Stewart for a duck, made from 18 balls. Three overs later Matthew Hoggard struck to remove Papps, Nasser Hussain again taking the catch.

Within the next 12 overs the home side slumped to 39-4, with Caddick claiming both scalps, one of which was New Zealand's ODI hero Nathan Astle. A strong century partnership then formed between Harris (82) and Frew (44), before Caddick claimed his fourth wicket to break the pair with the score on 145. Just four runs later Caddick claimed another one, his fifth of the innings, when he removed wicketkeeper Hopkins for 3, with the aid of a good catch from Mark Ramprakash. Harris and his new partner Wiseman then looked to accelerate the scoring, and they took their side to 186 before big Fred Flintoff claimed the scalp of Harris. When tail ender Wisneski was run out with the score on 212-8, host skipper Stead declared. Caddick took 5-69, Hoggard 1-25 and Flintoff 1-45. Now it was England's turn...

Openers Mark Butcher and Michael Vaughan batted out the end of the day for 28. It was on day two that it all started...

The pair continued their partnership until Butcher was dismissed for 39.Enter the Nass! He and Vaughan carried England to 278, with Hussain making only 69 out of their 207 run partnership! Vaughan was dismissed for 156 from 198 balls in 59.4 overs. Hussain followed him just an over later, for patient 69 that means that he will feel a little more prepared for the opening clash with the Kiwis.

Mark Ramprakash was then dismissed cheaply, and perhaps his place will now come under threat from Michael Vaughan, with Trescothick, rested for this game through fatigue, sure to return for the series as Hussain's vice-captain. Andy Flintoff's dire batting form continued when he was caught-and-bowled by Harris for one, but Afzaal stuck around for just 19, in an effective 43 run partnership with Craig White. When he went, England were 329-6.

Jamie Foster didn't exactly repay the selectors for their perseverance when he was clean bowled for 3. Warren Hegg will not be desperate to convince the selectors that he is good enough, even at the age of 34, to play for his country.

Ashley Giles made a quick fire 26 partnering Craig White, who was playing some marvelous shots all around the wicket. When Giles became Wisneski's third victim, Andy Caddick played the supporting role as Craig White pushed on towards a century. He didn't make it however, caught for a patient and solid 73, with Caddick ending up on 15. England then declared at 432-9 before Hoggard had the chance to grace the pitch with his batting ability!

England's lengthy knock had virtually decided the result of the match, but it provided time in the middle for England's premier batsmen to find their form.

Canterbury batted out the remaining 73 overs for 175-2, with Giles claiming 1-40 from 23 overs, and Craig White 1-28 from 12 overs.

All-in-all an encouraging performance from the England team. Things are looking good, and with Trescothick returning for the opening test, confidence will be high in the England camp.

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