October 23 Wednesday 2002
England lose Ashes tour opener

PERTH: England crashed to a 58-run loss to an Australian invitational side in their opening Ashes tour match on Tuesday, with new fast bowler Stephen Harmison suffering the humiliation of delivering 16 wides, including seven in a row.

Harmison's nerves got the better of him as the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chairman's XI put England's bowlers to the sword, racking up 301 for 7 from 50 overs, and then dismissing the tourists for 243.

Perth pharmacist Kade Harvey made the most of England's wayward bowling to top-score with 114 off 88 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and four sixes, in an impressive display of big hitting on a hot day where the temperature exceeded 30°C.

All of England's bowlers came in for heavy punishment but none so much as Durham's Harmison, who conceded 42 runs from seven overs which included seven consecutive wides and eight in all in his fourth over.

England's reply suffered an immediate blow when Marcus Trescothick and Mark Butcher both departed in the third over, leaving Robert Key (68) and captain Nasser Hussain (65) to help restore some pride with a third-wicket stand of 125. They took the score along to 136 after 22 overs before their departures signalled the end of England's chances as the tourists lost their last eight wickets for 107.

Worryingly for England, the ACB's left arm wrist-spinner Brad Hogg bagged 5 for 33. Veteran Alec Stewart was the only player to show any real resistance against him, making 35 from 46 balls.

England got away to a terrible start after Hussain won the toss and gave the home side first use of the Lilac Hill Park pitch with Matthew Hoggard's first two deliveries called wide. The ACB's openers took full advantage, hitting 57 off the first 10 overs before Marcus North fell for 22. Chris Rogers went for 30. Left-arm spinner Ashley Giles helped put the brakes when he removed Ryan Campbell, Hogg and former Test batsman David Hookes in quick succession.

But that only brought Harvey and Mike Hussey, who made 69 from 96 balls, together and they took the score to 274 for 6 with a 152-run partnership. Giles finished with 3 for 56, while paceman Simon Jones captured two scalps, including a wicket with his first ball on tour.

Andy Caddick and Hoggard also collected wickets but were expensive, conceding 110 runs off their 20 overs.

England's next match is a two-day game against Western Australia, starting on Thursday (tomorrow). The first of their five Tests against Australia starts in Brisbane on November 7.

Scores: ACB Chairman's XI 301-7 in 50 overs bt England 243 in 48.5 overs.