MRF XI v England Performance Programme XI, Chennai, 3rd day

Bowlers impress for performance team

Cricinfo staff

December 5, 2007

EPP XI 358 for 4 and 88 for 2 dec (Schofield 43*) beat MRF XI 121 (Tredwell 3-24) and 89 for 2 by virtue of a first-innings lead

The England Performance Programme XI claimed a win by virtue their first-innings leady against an MRF XI in Chennai after rolling the home side out for 121. The second day of the match was washed out, but England's bowlers enjoyed a solid work out with James Tredwell taking three wickets and two apiece for Chris Tremlett and Steven Finn.

The EPP declared on the 358 for 4 they'd racked up on the opening day and the quick bowlers made an immediate impression. Tremlett, who would be the favourite to bolster England's squad in Sri Lanka if the current injury problems escalate, grabbed two early strikes to leave the MRF XI at 25 for 3.

Finn, the 18-year-old Middlesex quick bowler, nipped in with two during a four-over spell before Tredwell worked through the lower order. The only significant resistance came in a ninth-wicket stand of 56 between Onkar Khanvilkar (38 not out) and Malolan Rangarajan (27).

The EPP declined to enforce the follow-on, favouring some extra batting time, and Chris Schofield hit a quickfire 43 off 40 balls. He then claimed two late wickets after the MRF XI had been set a notional 326 off 23 overs.

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