Sheikh leads England fightback

Atif Sheikh claimed four quick wickets to help salvage a perilous position

England Under-19s mounted a spirited recovery with the ball after a miserable batting display on the opening day of their tour match against a University Sports South Africa XI.

Bowled out for a meagre 119 despite winning the toss at the ASBA Oval in Johannesburg, England fought back to reduce the hosts to 74 for eight by the close of play.

Atif Sheikh did much of the damage for England with 4-19 in 6.3 devastating overs, while Chris Wood struck twice and there was a wicket apiece for Hamza Riazuddin and Scott Borthwick.

Their efforts wrested the momentum back in England’s favour after the tourists had been blown away by South Africa’s seamers.

Dan Redfern batted for two and a quarter hours for his determined 36, Sam Northeast - the third player to captain England on this tour - made 30 and Borthwick contributed a useful 21.

However, six players failed to score more than four and, with Adam Wheater unable to bat due to injury, England were hurried out in little more than 52 overs.

Christoffel Viljoen returned figures of 3-31 and Ollie Humphries 3-41, but Sheikh’s late burst ensured England the day marginally in the ascendancy.

The three-day encounter represents England’s final match before the first Test against South Africa Under-19s in Benoni gets under way on Saturday.

Scorecard - USSA XI v England U19, Tour Match, Day 1, Jan 26 2009 (41 KB)