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Cricket

Wright aids England warm-up win

02/02/2008

The Sussex all-rounder hit 42 not out off just 15 balls, including three fours and three sixes, as Paul Collingwood's team racked up 295-6 against the hosts at the Queen Elizabeth II Park ground.

The tourists then bowled out their opponents for 244, but carried on after winning, with Canterbury finishing the day on 261-11.

With coach Peter Moores still undecided over his team to play New Zealand in next month's Test series, Alistair Cook and Phil Mustard also looked lively, giving England a 73-run advantage after the first 15 overs.

With Cook following Mustard back to the dressing room after edging behind for 51, the stage was then set for Ian Bell to further establish England's early dominance, with the Warwickshire right-hander scoring 79 off just 89 balls in a ruthless partnership with Kevin Pietersen.

England lost the momentum, however, once Owais Shah and Bell were lost to successive balls.

The stage was then set for Wright to give the tourists the edge once more and he wasted no time in seizing his opportunity to impress after having failed to make the starting line-up for the recent one-day series in Sri Lanka.

James Anderson then helped to bowl England to victory, taking 5-47, including internationals Michael Papps and Peter Fulton early on before wrapping up the tail.

Ryan Sidebottom confirmed the victory, having Ellis caught at mid-on, though Collingwood opted to carry on and bowl all 50 overs.