ENGLAND wrapped up a morale boosting victory over a New Zealand Select XI at Palmerstown North early this morning. England ran out winners by an innings and 113 runs, with the Select XI finishing 176 all out.
After the New Zealanders resumed on 100 for 7 at lunch, Test bowler Danny Morrison began to hit out and made 30, with both him and tail ender Robert Kennedy hitting Phil Tufnell for six. But Tufnell had the last laugh when he dismissed both batsman to end the day with five for 58.
Chris Silverwood took the final wicket, Llorne Howell for 31, to end his useful contribution of three for 29.
Earlier a brilliant run out by Jack Russell bad inspired England. Russell, the forgotten man of the winter tour, was acting as a replacement fielder for flu victim Craig White.
The Select XI were 75 for three when opener Blair Pocock pushed a ball from Silverwood into the covers and called for a run. Russell was onto the ball in a flash. With the New Zealand side's captain Mark Greatbatch fighting to complete the quick single, Russell threw down the stumps with a direct hit.
Russell's reaction, running around in a big circle before leaping into the arms of keeper Alec Stewart, showed just how pleased he was to be in on the action again. So far on this tour, which is now into its 53rd day, he has played in only three one day fixtures.
Two exceptional catches by Nick Knight also boosted England, who reduced the Select XI to 78 for five after they had begun the final day still 264 runs in arrears on 25 for one.
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