Max Holden believes England Under-19s’ two-day warm-up draw against a Western Australia XI at Murdoch University has set the tone for the rest of their tour.
Holden and Mosun Hussain led the way with the bat for the tourists, hitting unbeaten centuries in a declared score of 322 for nine from 99 overs.
Mason Crane then took four wickets and wicketkeeper Ryan Davies collected six dismissals as the hosts were dismissed for just 268.
Although the match ended in stalemate, Holden reckons it was ideal preparation ahead of the four-day ‘Test’ versus Australia Under-19s, starting on Monday at the WACA Ground, and five 50-over fixtures.
The Middlesex player told ecb.co.uk:“It is a great start to the tour. From a batting point of view, a lot of batters got some good time of time in the middle to get used to the conditions out here and some confidence.
“Bowling wise, bowlers and fielders got some decent time out in the middle, some overs under their belt to increase their workload ahead of the series.
“We were grateful to play against some good players on a good pitch. It was nice to get out there.
“It can be a real tough challenge, a four-dayer. At such a great ground as the WACA, it will be really challenging. The ball will come onto the bat.
“It was really important we prepared well and we got something out of these two days. A lot of great individual performances. I think we are full of confidence.”
Holden continued the impressive form he showed during the England Development Programme Under-17s’ tour of the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.
He said: “It was really pleasing to get some time out of the middle. I gained quite a lot of confidence from it.
“I’m really pleased with the start of the tour from a personal point of view. It was a really good partnership with Mosun, who got a hundred and batted really well. I feel well prepared.”
Experiencing his first taste of Australian pitches, Holden added: “The temperature is very hot, which is challenging. The pitches are quicker and you have got to adapt your game.”