England Under-19s take charge

27 July 2008

Chris Woakes picked up two wickets and scored 40 runs

Three hundreds from England batsmen put them in firm control of the first Under-19 Test against New Zealand at Taunton.

Dan Redfern (151) and Greg Smith (157) passed the previous best partnership in any Under-19 international as they put on 287 for the fourth wicket.

It was 400 for five when Smith departed to a catch by Greg Morgan off the bowling of Harry Boam, but Liam Dawson carried on from they had left off, making a 96-ball century which included 13 fours and two sixes.

The New Zealanders struggled to make breakthroughs throughout the day, despite using seven bowlers, with England eventually declaring their innings on 512 for eight.

New Zealand had reached 111 for four by the close of play, with captain and opener George Worker unbeaten on 68.

However, it was slow going as all England's bowlers kept it tight. Chris Woakes, after making 40 with the bat, picked up two wickets for just 16 runs in his 12 overs.

Ian Saxelby also claimed two wickets as New Zealand faltered at 32 for four, but some sensible batting from Worker and Morgan enabled the visitors to get past the 100-run mark for the loss of no further wickets.