Davis hits back with century as Australia begin to exert power

England Under-19 331 and 15-0 Australia Under-19 414

England Under-19s endured a hard day in the field as the Australian opener, Liam Davis, smashed a century to move his side into a first-innings lead at the end of the second day of the first Test in Adelaide.

The captain, Bilal Shafayat, hit 108 on the opening day as England reached 331 all out, but yesterday it was the turn of the Western Australian Davis to take centre stage.

The hosts resumed on 18 for one and soon lost their captain, Greg Hunt, to Liam Plunkett. But Davis combined with Theo Doropoulos (44) to help steer Australia past the 200 mark. Davis was eventually removed by Shafayat for 132 – his 187-ball knock including 17 boundaries – with Australia at 225 for 5.

Michael Bright continued to take the match to England and fell just three runs short of his century as Australia moved into the lead. Aaron Bird finished unbeaten on 65 as the home side were eventually bowled out for 414.

Plunkett was the pick of the England bowlers, returning 4 for 72 from his 16 overs, while Samit Patel claimed 3 for 89.