England Lions hit back against Prime Minister’s XI

Canberra’s Manuka Oval tour match is scheduled for day two.

Prime Minister’s XI 308-8d: Kellaway 82, McSweeney 63, Peake 54, Potts 2-40

England Lions 30-0: Haines 17*, Gay 12*

England Lions are 278 points ahead.

On day one of the pink-ball day-night match in Canberra, the England Lions’ bowlers bravely faced the Prime Minister’s XI.

Before the Lions took six wickets for just 59 runs under the floodlights, leading the hosts to declare on 308-8, the Prime Minister’s XI was 231-2 shortly after the dinner break.

On the second and final day of the match, Lions opener Emilio Gay and Tom Haines held on to win by 278 runs.

For the tourists, captain Haines, fast bowler Matthew Potts, and spinner Tom Hartley each took two wickets, each with left-arm quick Josh Hull and Jacob Bethell each taking one wicket.

Josh Tongue, a fast bowler, improved his control over the day by bowling with high pace and a 30-run lead from his first six overs but only 18 from his final 10.

The 28-year-old Durham fast bowler is likely to step up to replace Mark Wood in Brisbane’s second Ashes Test because of concerns about his left knee. Potts, who impressed with taking 2-40, is a different choice.

The Gabba’s second Ashes Test, a pink-ball day-night game, will take place on Thursday.

The Prime Minister’s XI built a strong platform after winning the toss and choosing the to bat. Campbell Kellaway scored 82, Nathan McSweeney (63), and Ollie Peake (54) scored for Nathan.

With concerns over Usman Khawaja’s form and fitness, the uncapped Kellaway, 23, and McSweeney, 26, who has played three Tests, are both pursuing inclusion in Australia’s top order during the ongoing Ashes.

Sam Konstas, an opener who was dropped for Australia’s Ashes squad, made 36 before falling to Haines.

The Lions regrouped after Haines’ superb one-handed catch off Hartley and Kellaway caused a powerful retaliation.

The Aussie lads did well during the first two sessions and were difficult to contain, according to Hartley.

“The ball was skipping on and the batters appeared to be jumping around a little more as the lights went on.”

From the first Test defeat in Perth, England’s XI was sent to Canberra, with former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson calling them “arrogant.”

Tongue’s performance with the pink ball in Canberra was more significant because Wood is likely to miss the second Test.

He lost his first wicket, but Jason Gillespie, a former Australia fast bowler, was still impressed by his performance.

Gillespie called him aggressive and bowled with good pace and control.

“He kept up that pace throughout the day,” England’s captain said. If needed, he looked at the Gabba ready to go.

With the new ball, Tongue particularly troubled left-hander Kellaway. James Rew slammed Kellyway badly on 22 during first slip. Additionally, he frequently missed the boundary-cutting Tongue.

In the final session, Tongue returned for a fourth time while Bethell was slipping Joel Curtis.

Konstas’ tense season was continuing in the interim.

Before lofting a tame catch to mid-on off medium-pacer Haines, the 20-year-old appeared more secure than his opening partner Kellaway against the new ball.