England’s back-up seamers make Australia toil | Thebigtip

With England’s front-line bowlers on their way to Brisbane ahead of the first ashes test next week, the remaining fast bowlers in the squad have taken their opportunity to keep their names in the frame.

Along with Tim Bresnan and Chris Tremlett, who were already in the sixteen man ashes squad, Ajmal Shahzad was promoted from the English Performance Programme for this game and all impressed as those aiming to push for Australian test team births failed to make their mark.

Half-centuries from Steve Smith and Steve O’Keefe dragged Australia’s second string up to a respectful 230, but those who were named in Australia’s 17 man squad failed to deliver as Callum Ferguson was done by a beauty from Tim Bresnan for just five and Usman Khawaja edged behind for a poultry 13.

England used the conditions to their advantage, with both Shahzad and Bresnan getting the ball to swing late and Tremlett’s height gave the batsman problems especially Australia A’s captain Cameron White who failed to deal with the awkward bounce before being bowled through the gate.

Tremlett marked his return into the England fold with an impressive 4-54, although his performance was overshadowed by Monty Panesars amazing catch to dismiss Ed Cowan.

Fellow seamers Bresnan and Shahzad were not out shone with both collected two and three wickets respectively, showing that England’s depth in the fast-bowling department is there.

However, it was the capitulation of Australia’s top order which has given England a great chance to win their final warm-up match before the real thing kicks off next week.

England will resume in Hobart on 22-1 after losing ‘skipper Andrew Strauss for 10 to Mark Cameron.