Blistering hundreds by Luke Wright and Gary Ballance embarrassed the touring Bangladesh A team’s bowlers as the England Lions posted 353/4 in the first unofficial ODI of their three-match series in Bristol on Tuesday. Wright blasted an unbeaten 143 off just 63 balls and Ballance hit 115 off 89 to leave a unit featuring four regular Bangladesh national team bowlers reeling. The bowling attack surrendered 10 or more runs in 13 of the last 20 overs, including seven which went for at least 15.
Robiul Islam was the most expensive of the Bangladeshi bowlers, going for
75 in nine overs, picking up just one wicket in the process. Sohag Gazi conceded 49 runs without dismissing a batsman in his seven overs, while Rubel Hossain and Elias Sunny bowled ten overs apiece, going wicketless and conceding 64 and 52 respectively.
Al-Amin Hossain, the only main bowler yet to feature in the senior national side, picked up two wickets for 69 runs in his ten overs.
The side’s bowling weakness has been a recurring theme during its tour of England, having been previously exposed during the team’s five losses to county opposition preceding the England Lions series.
The team failed to defend 292 against Nottinghamshire on August 14 and could not make 274 hold up against Worcester two days later.
Wright came to the crease with the Lions at 112/3 after 28.5 overs and carnage ensued, as he and Ballance smashed the ball around the park to score 225 from the next 20 overs of hapless Bangladesh A bowling. Wright reached his century in just 51 balls and carried on to finish with 11 fours and 10 sixes.
-With New Age input
