England Under-19s face a tall order to save the one-off ‘Test’ at the WACA Ground after large hundreds from Sam Heazlett and Jake Doran gave Australia Under-19s a first-innings lead of 283.
Responding to a commanding 455 for seven declared, captain Joe Weatherley and Max Holden guided the tourists to 38 for none following two days of four.
Opening batsman Heazlett and Doran, the youngest player to appear in a Big Bash League game, amassed a fourth-wicket stand of 218 to put the hosts, who had resumed today on 103 for three, in charge.
Off-spinner Brad Taylor broke the stand midway through the afternoon session, bowling Heazlett for 160 featuring 22 fours and a six.
Doran then found another ally in wicketkeeper Tom Healy, son of former Australia gloveman Ian, and they put on a further 138 until Taylor trapped Doran in front for 169 including 19 fours and a maximum.
Taylor struck again in his next over to oust Healy for 66 and when Saqib Mahmood snared Guy Walker in the next set of six, home skipper Jaron Morgan declared. Taylor finished with respectable figures of 3-78 from 22 overs.
Weatherley and Holden survived 15 overs to give the tourists hope of avoiding defeat in this match, which is followed by five 50-over fixtures between the teams.
Head of the England Development Programme Andy Hurry said: “One of the fundamental ‘add-value’ principles of the EDP is to offer highly challenging competitive opportunities against full member nations in harsh environments and the first two days of the Test have been exactly that.
“Knowing what lay ahead, we started the day strongly with a high quality opening spell from Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire) and Jared Warner (Yorkshire).
“The two not out Australian batsman (Heazlett and Doran) weathered the storm before going on to complete a 218-run partnership.
“During this period we lost our intensity and discipline and it wasn’t until after the tea interval, under strong on-field leadership and disciplined bowling, did we gain any momentum before the Australians declared 283 runs in front.
“Our openers Joe Weatherley (Hampshire) and Max Holden (Middlesex) were faced with a challenging 15-over spell which they dealt with in a controlled and positive way.
“We ended the day 38 for none and are very aware that we will need to bat for the best part of two days which presents a fantastic development opportunity against strong opposition.”