Dan Bowser’s fifty and impressive bowling on debut helped England Learning Disability draw first blood in their series with Australia, aiding a 64-run win in the opening Twenty20 game.
Bowser, a 26-year-old left-hander batting at number three, made 52 off just 31 balls and added 100 for the third wicket with captain Chris Edwards, who finished unbeaten on 45 in a total of 160 for four. Ronnie Jackson chipped in with 22 not out in the closing overs.
Bowser, from Bideford in Devon, followed up with 1-14 from four overs as Australia were limited to 96 for four in reply. Edwards also shone with the ball, returning 1-9 from three overs. Opener Grant Cross top-scored for the hosts with 31.
Man of the match Bowser described it as “an all-round great day” for himself and “a great performance” by the team.
He also said: “It felt good. It felt nice to be back on a cricket pitch again after a long time out, especially to be playing for England out in Australia against the Australians. It’s quite an experience.”
England, who were victorious in a tri-series four years ago the last time these teams met, face Australia again tomorrow in another T20. Four 40-over matches follow, with all six fixtures being held in and around Melbourne and counting towards the series scoreline.