England's cricketers just missed out on a morale-boosting win against Western Australia today after a devastating spell from pace-bowler Simon Jones put them on course for victory.
Jones made strong claims for a place in England's attack for next week's first Ashes Test with a withering assault on the Western Australia batting line-up as the match finished in a draw.
The 23-year-old Welshman, who has appeared in only one Test to date, snatched 5-78 from 19 devastating overs in the state's second innings of 248.
But it was not enough to hand his side victory. England failed by just five runs to reach their victory target of 135, finishing the three-day match on 130 for five in their second innings.
England hit out from the start of their run-chase, with Marcus Trescothick (19) and Robert Key (59 not out) belting the first 50 from 47 balls. Key smashed his first 50 from 41 balls, crashing six fours and a six.
England dismissed Western Australia for 213 in their first innings before replying with a positive 327.
England's dominance came as a timely lift with the opening Test only eight days away. It followed a poor start to the tour last week when they lost to an Australian invitational side.
Meanwhile England captain Nasser Hussain woke with a stiff back after his fine century the previous day and did not go on the field during the state's innings. He came out to bat at number seven in the England second innings.
AFP