Australia make the running

8 July 2008

Australia captain Kim Daley and England's Umesh Valjee square up before play

Australia deaf took the early honours as the Ashes got under way at Southport & Birkdale.

The tourists posted 334 on the first day of the opening Test of the two-match series, to which England replied by reaching six without loss by the close.

Despite losing the toss, Australia prospered thanks to a fine innings of 90 from opener Grant Thompson, who added 117 for the second wicket with Luke Trudgett.

Trudgett contributed a resolute 39, and captain Kym Daley hit 65 off 83 balls at number nine - an innings which included five fours and six sixes - to help Australia recover from 238 for seven.

Seamer Mark Woodman emerged as the most successful of England’s eight bowlers, returning figures of 4-73 from 25 overs, while slow left-armer Nigel Davenport took 2-54.

The remaining wickets were shared between Mohammad Farooq, Darrell Sykes, Stephen George and James Dixon.

England openers Umesh Valjee and Chris Hughes survived the two overs possible before the close.

Scorecard - England Deaf v Australia Deaf, 1st Test, July 8-10 2008 (44 KB)