Ryan Davies hits half-century for England Under 19s

Kent's Ryan Davies (pictured above, right) started the England Under-19's tour of Australia with a strong batting display versus a Western Australian XI.

Muson Hossain and Hax Holden hit unbeaten hundreds before retiring and Kent wicketkeeper Davies scored 55 not out, shared an unbroken stand of 82 alongside Callum Taylor for a total of 322 for three from 99 overs at Murdoch University.

After this two-day game England play a four-day ‘Test’ against Australia Under-19s, starting on Monday, followed by five 50-over fixtures with the same opponents. All the matches are in Western Australia.

Andy Hurry, Head of the England Development Programme, said: “There was a real buzz around the squad today and I felt that we were clinical throughout.

“After challenging new ball conditions and a couple of early setbacks, a committed and ruthless partnership set up the innings before both batters retired scoring 100 not out.

“Both players showed an inner drive to score big runs and paced their innings appropriately to the conditions.The partnership complimented each player’s strengths with Husain reaching his hundred in 217 balls and Holden in 224 balls.

“A destructive partnership between Ryan Davies and Callum Taylor, having overcome the second new ball, accelerated our innings and the unbeaten 82-run partnership left us in a strong position at the close of play.

“We take some great momentum into day two but we have to ensure that we don't rest on our laurels and we hit them hard early.”

The other Kent player in the touring party, bowler Hugh Bernard (pictured above, left), is expected to feature as the side rotates in the second innings.