By Michael Norwood
November 6 2013

Michael Carberry and Alastair Cook put on 318 for the loss of no wicket, on the opening day of England's four day warm up match with Australia 'A' in Hobart. It means that Hampshire opener Carberry, may well have played ihimself into England's opening Ashes match in Brisbane....

After winning the toss, Cook had no hesitation in batting on a flat looking wicket at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, and despite some early movement for the home bowlers, Carberry and Cook were able to punish some lacklustre pace in the afternoon and evening sessions.

Cook was the first to reach his century, quickly followed by the Hampshire man, and both moved without alarm past 150.

Cook was 154 not out at stumps, with Carberry just a run behind. The question now is, will both bat on during Day 2, or will the likes of Gary Ballance and Kevin Pietersen get their chance to spend time in the middle.

It was a surprise ahead of the toss, when England announced that Joe Root would drop down the order, and enable Carberry to open with Cook, but it looks an inspired choice, and one that looks to have solved all the questions regarding the number six berth.

Carberry should now be given the nod to open, which will allow Root the chance to move back to his original slot for England.

England: Alastair Cook (C), Michael Carberry, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Matt Prior (W), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett, James Anderson

MATCH SCORECARD

Carberry and Cook Drive England

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 06/11/2013 16:15

England Cricket
06/11/2013 16:15

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