England cruise to victory

By Sam Hathaway
October 12 2006

Andrew Flintoff looked in good nick as he returned for the first time since his ankle injury in the summer. The England skipper lead his team to a convincing win against Rajasthan Cricket Association XI after they scored 295-8.

England looked comfortable as they overcame the Rajasthan Cricket Association XI with a good all round performance. Flintoff fitted into his new role very well, batting at number 3.

Jamie Dalrymple hit four sixes in an unbeaten 79 and Sajid Mahmood impressed by taking three wickets as the RCA XI were bowled out for just 151.

Strauss fell cheaply for just 1 early in the innings and Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood also fell mis-hitting sweep shots off left-arm spinner Anoop Dave.

Mahmood claimed 3 wickets and looked in good nick while James Anderson struck ealry with the ball to dismiss the two openers.

Harmison managed just the one wicket but Jamie Dalrymple and Michael Yardy not only impressed with the bat, they impressed with the ball too claiming wickets.

Good overall performance by the lads but we all know overcoming India on their home ground will be a very tough task but this will give them some confidence to go into the game.

The ICC trophy campaign begins on Sunday against India.