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Strauss leads England to victory

9 Nov 2009


Andrew Strauss continued his rich run of form with an unbeaten 117 to help England to an eight-wicket victory in their second tour match, against the Warriors at the De Beers Diamond Oval.

The captain was composed throughout his 119-ball innings, dominating the home side's bowling as he and Joe Denly (85) laid a firm platform - in pursuit of the 255 victory target - with an impressive 175 opening stand.

They eventually cruised home with 9.1 overs to spare as the earlier efforts of 83 not out from Arno Jacobs and Davey Jacobs (50) proved in vain.

The victory will be pleasing for Andy Flower, but there will still be concern over the bowling - with only Graeme Swann (three for 26) really shining in Kimberley.

But the England coach will have no worries over his batsmen, who again showed good form to go with the 185-run opening win in Bloemfontein on Friday.

England ended the first 15 overs at 84 for none, Strauss bringing up his 50 from 51 balls with a single off Corbyn Dolley through extra cover.

Denly reached his half-century from 60 deliveries - and clobbered Dolley for his first maximum just before the 150 was raised in the 25th over.

He hit another six off Brown over the long-on fence before he fell - Darryl Brown having him caught by Siyamthanda Ntshona at long-on with only 76 left to get.

The loss of Denly's wicket did not halt the flow of runs, with Alastair Cook offering support to his captain, helping take his side past 200 in the 34th over.

Strauss, who made 72 against the Diamond Eagles, brought up his hundred from 109 balls with a single off Dolley down to the deep cover area, before the 50 partnership came up in 52 balls. Cook was eventually out for 34 but Paul Collingwood (12 not out) helped his captain seal an emphatic win.

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