Lee rips through Lions

But Moore stands firm with defiant century

Last updated: 3rd July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lee rips through Lions

Lee: Devastating spell

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Tour Match
New Road - Day Two
Australia 358 (M E K Hussey 150, S M Katich 95, S J Harmison 4-80) v England Lions 302-6 (S C Moore 120, J L Denly 66, S M Davies 53, B Lee 5-53)

Brett Lee gave the Australia selectors a nudge with a devastating spell on a day otherwise dominated by Lions batsman Stephen Moore.

The Worcestershire opener made 120 out of the hosts' 302 for six, putting on 172 for the first wicket with Kent's Joe Denly as the Australian attack laboured.

But Lee, out to prove his fitness following recovery from ankle surgery, ripped through the batting in a seven over spell to give the Aussies a major boost ahead of the first Test next week.

"I have tried to do everything possible to make sure I am ready for the first Test but I have not been looking to put pressure on myself," he said.

"I know if I bowl well and take wickets, I will be putting my hand up to be chosen for the first Test.

"I have worked very hard to get myself ready. If things don't happen for the first Test, then I will find a way around it and be ready for the second Test."

The Lions needed just 6.4 overs to pick up the final two Australia wickets after Mike Hussey added seven to his overnight score to reach 150.

All out

But he was bowled by Steve Harmison and then Nathan Hauritz sliced Graham Onions to Denly at point as the tourists were all out for 358.

Lee's impact could have been greater had Moore not survived an lbw decision that went his way before he had scored, and he had another let-off on 41 when keeper Brad Haddin put him down off Stuart Clark.

But the batsman otherwise impressed as he reached his first century since last September off 147 balls with 14 fours and two sixes.

Both he and Denly lofted spinner Hauritz for maximums and it required the return of Lee to bring the tourists back into the game.

Denly, having grafted his way to 66 from 131 deliveries, was bowled by a ball that reversed and skipper Ian Bell fell next ball when he was trapped in front.

Vikram Solanki survived the hat-trick ball but made only eight before being bowled off his pads, and then Moore's innings was ended when he tried to hook Lee only to get a top edge that Haddin this time held on to.

Confidence

Moore admitted he was grateful to the selectors to give him another chance despite a disappointing start to the season.

"To have that confidence from the selectors, and the England coaching staff in me, to give me an extended run in the England set-up is fantastic," he said.

"Now to get this hundred is brilliant and I couldn't have picked a better place to get the first one of the season."

Lee picked up his fifth wicket when Eoin Morgan fell lbw having made just four as the Lions lost five wickets for 37 runs in 12 overs.

But keeper Steven Davies and spinner Adil Rashid put on 86 for the sixth wicket - the former making 53 with seven boundaries before edging part-time spinner Marcus North to slip.

But Rashid remained unbeaten on 36 as the Lions reached 302 for six with Tim Bresnan the other not out batsman.