England’s cricketing woes deepened Monday when their second-tier team crashed to Australia A by an innings and 127 runs, emphasising the tourists’ alarming lack of depth.
With England losing the first two Tests in Perth and Brisbane, it was a chance for a host of players to shine and make their case to selectors.
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Young middle-order batsman Asa Tribe, 21, was the pick of the bunch with an unbeaten 129 in the second innings total of 295.
Test aspirant Jacob Bethell made 71 and could be an option to replace the under-performing Ollie Pope in the third Test at Adelaide next week.
Billed as the only “unofficial Test” of England’s Ashes tour, the Lions won the toss and chose to bat at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
But they were skittled for 166 with Australian Test bowler Jhye Richardson taking 4-35 as he battles back from injuries.
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In reply, Australia A racked up 588-8 declared with Nathan McSweeney pushing his claims for a Test recall with a superb unbeaten 226.
England spinner Shoaib Bashir, overlooked for the Ashes losses in Perth and Brisbane, conceded 115 in a wicketless 25 overs.
England’s back-up fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts did not play.
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