Thursday, December 31st, 2015

Morris Returns To Action As Mcc Go Under In Opening Match In South Africa

Morris Returns To Action As Mcc Go Under In Opening Match In South Africa

Charlie Morris made an impressive return to action with the MCC but finished on the losing side as a Crusaders X1 triumphed by eight wickets in the opening match of the tour of South Africa.

The Worcestershire paceman bowled an opening spell of 5-2-10-1 after taking the new ball as the Crusaders chased a 173 target in 40 overs.

Morris, in his first action since the end of a successful 2015 campaign at New Road, accounted for Ben Compton in his second over.

Compton was caught behind for a duck by Middlesex keeper John Simpson with only two runs on the board.

Morris returned to bowl two more overs and finished with figures of 7-2-27-1.

But the Crusaders had little difficulty in reaching their target with seven overs to spare.

Earlier, former England batsman Owais Shah had top-scored with 73 off 70 balls with one six and five fours for MCC who were put into bat.

Shah shared a stand of 57 for the third wicket with Neil Dexter (34) before he was run out.

A strong MCC side also contained other county players in Ned Eckersley (7), Simpson (13) and Wes Durston (15 not out).