An Ollie Pope century has rescued a mediocre first outing for Bazball in Australia, with England’s kamikaze attacking style leaving two of their biggest stars red-faced.

However, former Perth Scorchers batsman Zak Crawley has no concerns and is confident England will be ready on the first day at Optus Stadium.

After being plundered for 383 by the England Lions on day one at Lilac Hill Park, the A Team were given a go on Friday.

And despite stars Joe Root and Harry Brook adding only three runs between them, England beat up the no-name County fair of bowlers shuffled into their path, ending the day all out for 426.

It helped that the pitch had a bit in common with the radioactive vacuum of space; the lifeless Midland-Guildford surface a far cry from the pace and bounce that will assault

See Full Page