Rain checks England

9 July 2008

The opening Ashes Test between England deaf and Australia looks destined to finish in a draw after rain cut short the second day’s play.

Only 51 overs were possible at Southport & Birkdale CC, during which England - replying to Australia’s 334 - converted their overnight score of six without loss into 140 for four.

They were thankful for half-centuries from Umesh Valjee and Mike O’Mahony, who shared a second-wicket stand of 99 before the loss of three wickets for nine runs.

Captain Valjee hit 51 off 146 deliveries during more than three and a half hours at the crease, while O’Mahony struck six fours in his 108-balll 52.

Valjee fell to Australia skipper Kim Daley, who followed up his valuable 65 yesterday by taking 3-31 from 17 overs before rain forced a premature close to proceedings.

With only one day remaining in the game, the sides look set to go to Colwyn Bay CC for the second and final Test on Sunday all square.

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