Chasing England's competitive total of 235 for eight, Wales slumped to 227 all out in reply despite captain Robert Croft and David Hemp forging what appeared to be a match-winning 82-run fourth-wicket partnership.

But Ashley Giles dismissed both batsmen in the same over and Wales' resistance crumbled - they lost their last five wickets for 62 runs in 14 overs as England claimed their revenge for last year's humiliating eight-wicket defeat.

Former England off-spinner Croft had been the driving force of their reply and hit a determined 59 from only 89 balls, batting for the latter stages of his innings with a runner after suffering a groin strain.

Croft's efforts enabled Wales to overcome an unsteady start with both Ian Thomas and Mike Powell run out while Matthew Maynard was trapped leg before by Darren Gough, who was making his return to England colours after a year on the sidelines with knee trouble.

England earlier had to rely on three of their most experienced squad members to guide them out of trouble after Australian Test bowler Michael Kasprowicz had plunged them into trouble at 41 for four.

Yorkshire captain Anthony McGrath improved the situation with a determined 50, teaming up with Marcus Trescothick in a 71-run partnership, until the introduction of Croft. He struck with his second ball to bowl the Somerset left-hander around his legs for 55.

McGrath became Croft's second victim six overs later when he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Wallace attempting to reverse sweep, leaving 21-year-old Rikki Clarke with the responsibility of guiding England to a respectable total.

Clarke did not disappoint and scored at almost a run a ball before Croft once again intervened, deflecting a fierce drive from Kabir Ali onto the stumps at the non-striker's end and running out the Surrey all-rounder.

Kabir made amends for his role in Clarke's downfall by hitting an unbeaten 25 and shared in an unbroken 42-run partnership with Darren Gough which steered England past the 200 barrier.

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