Ryan Davies hits 42 as England Under 19s fight back in Perth
Wednesday 8th April 2015
Kent Cricket Academy graduate Ryan Davies hit six boundaries and a six in a brisk 42 as England Under 19s fought back against Australia at Perth.
The England Under-19 batsmen saved the one-off Test with Australia Under-19s at the WACA Ground.
When the hosts took a first-innings lead of 283, the game looked to be up for Joe Weatherley’s side. But the skipper was among three half-centurions today as the tourists posted 342 for five, putting them 59 ahead going into the last day.
Weatherley contributed 68 from the top of the order and then shared a second-wicket stand of 75 with Haseeb Hameed, who went on to top-score with a highly-patient 91 not out from 256 balls.
Hameed and Callum Taylor put on the best partnership of the day, 120 for the fourth wicket, to keep Australia’s talented attack at bay.
Taylor freely scored 72, and Ryan Davies followed suit as the wicketkeeper's 42 off 66 balls dominated a fifth-wicket alliance of 68 alongside Hameed.
Head of the England Development Programme Andy Hurry said: “Our fightback was led by our captain Joe Weatherley, who was heavily involved in two partnerships, the first with Max Holden and the second with Haseeb Hameed.
“A fluent 72 from Callum Taylor took the fight right to the Aussies with some majestic strokeplay during a 120-run partnership with Hameed.
“Hameed showed incredible inner drive, batting for five and a half hours, building valuable partnerships with Weatherley, Taylor and Davies."
No play was possible on the fourth and final day in Perth, denying both teams the chance to press for victory with the game evenly poised.