Briggs and Vince lose to England XI (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Briggs and Vince lose to England XI

1:31pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Southampton

Danny Briggs could not stop England Lions losing to an England XI by nine wickets in Abu Dhabi today.

Batting at three, James Vince was out for six – a third Jade Dernbach victim inside the first six overs - as England were all out for 96.

England reached their target for the loss of only Kevin Pietersen, who hit a 45-ball 41 out of an opening partnership of 79 with Alastair Cook.

To maximise batting practice, England chased a target of 230 and Briggs (10-1-53-1) was the pick of the Lions bowlers, having captain Cook stumped by Jonny Bairstow for a 91-ball 68.

The slow left-armer opened the bowling with Northants’ Jack Brooks and was the only Lions bowler to bowl his full allocation.

But Jonathan Trott’s unbeaten 75 (92 balls) ensured England reached their second target with seven wickets and 25 balls to spare.