Tredwell looks good for an England place in the first Test

England, including Kent off-spinner James Tredwell, concluded their warm-up action ahead of Friday“s First Test with a farcical draw against Bangladesh A in Chittagong.

After deciding to throw up some declaration bowling, captain Alastair Cook (pictured alongside James Tredwell) only used the Kent spinner for three overs in the morning session before he contributed 11 with the bat, coming in at five, in the afternoon as England fell 99 runs short of a nominal target of 284.

Resuming on 131 for three, the hosts were tested by an early spell from Steven Finn as the Middlesex-man bowled himself into contention for a starting place on Friday by bowling five maidens in a six over spell; he was rewarded for his fiery spell by ripping out Raqibul Hasan“s off-stump for 51. Cook then decided to serve up some gentle bowling in a bid to force a declaration from Bangladesh, as he and Michael Carberry provided an array of half-volleys which conceded a total of 189 runs in nine overs. They finally declared on 362 for five with Shuvagoto Hom unbeaten on 91.

It left England with 52 overs to get some valuable playing time in the middle, former Kent batsman Carberry looked good for 35, striking six boundaries, before being caught and Kevin Pietersen failed again as he missed a sweep and was bowled by Mohammad Ashraful for 20. Cook retired on 42 and Tim Bresnan added 36 – batting at four – offering a clear indication he will be selected on Friday. Tredwell also looks to be sure of a place as he was given some batting practice coming in a five but was bowled by Noor Hossain for 11 off 28 balls. Ian Bell (21) and Jonathan Trott (seven) were the unbeaten batsmen as the two captains“ shook hands with England on 185 for five.

Picture:Getty Images