James Vince, Danny Briggs and Michael Bates have all taken part in England’s Under 19 warm up matches ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand starting on January 15.

The two warm up matches in Christchurch have brought a mixed bag of results for England, although there were noticeable performances from the Hampshire trio.

England’s preparations got off to a successful start with an eight wicket victory over Papua New Guinea at Elmwood Park.With batsman James Vince and left arm spinner Danny Briggs rested, wicketkeeper Michael Bates was Hampshire’s sole representative in the first match.

Michael Bates at a snowy Rose Bowl

After England had bowled out Papua New Guinea  for 141 in the 47th over, England easily surpassed the total with Joe Root (72*) and Jos Butler’s unbeaten 62 steering England to victory with a partnership of 135. Michael Bates had a hand in Matthew Dunn’s bowling figures of 3 for 24 after the Hawks’ gloveman caught both Tony Ura (29) and Raymond Haoda (3).

The second warm up match against New Zealand was reduced to 43 overs due to rain, with New Zealand beating England by five wickets. After the black caps had put England into bat the young lions lost both openers Chris Dent (2) and Jack Manuel (0) inside the first three overs. James Vince came in at three and hit a patient 37 from 84, despite wickets falling around him, before Tim Johnston caught the 18 year old off his own bowling.

Michael Bates made 5, but Briggs was the star in England’s batting display coming in at number eight and hitting an unbeaten 41 from 44 deliveries. Hitting four 4s, Briggs helped England to a respectable total of 156 for 7 from 43 overs after the team had stuttered to 71 for 6. Hampshire teammates Briggs and Vince were the England’s top run scorers respectively.

Briggs is better known for his prowess with the ball
 

New Zealand hit the winning runs in the 31st over, thanks largely to Jimmy Neesham’s 52 and contributions from Corey Anderson and captain Craig Cachopa. However Briggs was impressive with the ball as he finished with figures of 1 for 27 from 7.2 overs with a good economy of 3.68.

With the warm up matches completed the team will look ahead to their opening Group A match against Hong Kong at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval when the tournament gets under way on Saturday January 16.    

England will then take on Afghanistan at Queen Elisabeth II Park on Monday January 18 before returning to the Bert Sutcliffe Oval for their final group game against current world champions India on Thursday January 21. With four groups of four teams the top two sides will qualify for the quarter final stages, taking place on January 23 and 24.

With England expected to qualify through to the knockout stages they will face Group D qualifiers, anticipated to be Pakistan or Bangladesh, with West Indies and Papua New Guinea also in the group. Although India are favourites to win the Under 19 World Cup England will look to triumph 12 years after their only success in the bi-annual tournament, when they defeated New Zealand in the final in South Africa in 1998.

Ally Fisher
 

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