Mixed start for Davies in cup bid (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Mixed start for Davies in cup bid

11:50am Monday 13th August 2012 in Cricket

DARWEN’S Alex Davies has enjoyed a mixed start to the ICC Under 19 World Cup as England lost their first game against Australia before beating Ireland yesterday to keep on track for the quarter finals.

The campaign began with defeat at the hands of hosts and competition favourites Australia on Saturday.

The 17-year-old opened the batting and made 18 as Australia put England in to bat in Townsville.

Davies, the only non full-time county player in the touring party, impressed as others around him failed as England were bowled out for just 143.

Joel Paris and Mark Steketee utilised the pace and bounce and opener Davies edged a vicious short ball from Steketee behind.

When Aneesh Kapil was also caught at the wicket, England were 61-4.

An unbroken stand of 93 between captain William Bosisto (35 not out) and Travis Head (57 not out) then guided Australia home.

Topley led the way with 3-14 from nine as England thumped Ireland by seven wickets to record their first win yesterday.

England responded superbly to their opening loss, dismissing their opponents for just 109.

England openers Daniel Bell-Drummond and Davies fell cheaply in reply, but an unbroken partnership of 59 between Craig Overton and Aneesh Kapil ensured victory.

England’s final group game is against Nepal on Thursday.