England openers get off to ideal start
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marcus Trescothick and Robert Key gave England a comfortable start to their tour of South Africa yesterday, setting up an eight-wicket victory against the Nicky Oppenheimer XI with a 167-run stand for the first wicket.
Marcus Trescothick and Robert Key gave England a comfortable start to their tour of South Africa yesterday, setting up an eight-wicket victory against the Nicky Oppenheimer XI with a 167-run stand for the first wicket.
The Oppenheimer side had made 172 for 4 in 39 overs after their innings was interrupted by rain, and under the Duck-worth/Lewis formula, England's target was increased to 185 from 39 overs.
Most of the Oppenheimer batsmen struggled against the tourists' disciplined attack, except for the Zimbabwe international Neil Johnson, who hit four sixes in his 58-ball innings of 74. Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison were the most impressive bowlers for England, with spells of 2 for 29 in eight overs and 1 for 8 in seven overs respectively.
Trescothick and Key began their stint slowly but were in total command as they made 167 off 180 balls. Trescothick, the stand-in captain, finished on 85 not out off 107 balls, while Key lashed 87 off 85 balls, with seven fours and five sixes, to lead England to the easy victory.
For all his efforts, Key knows that his Test place is by no means guaranteed, with the selectors having a tough call to make in deciding between him and Mark Butcher.
Butcher had only a limited opportunity to impress yesterday, coming out to bat in fading light against the Test bowler Charl Willoughby and edging him low to first slip. Key was sympathetic to his rival's plight, saying: "It was a shambles going out to bat at that stage. It would have helped probably if we'd have got out a lot earlier."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments