Stoneman Showing That Mark Of Maturity In Runs

IF THIS is to be Mark Stoneman’s final innings before the Ashes then he will arrive in Brisbane full of confidence after hitting his fourth successive 50-plus score on tour.

- Chris Stocks

The Surrey opener’s 111 on the second day of this warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI was the first century hit by any England player since they arrived Down Under just under three weeks ago.

Alastair Cook really should have joined him but fell for 70 after cutting off-spinner Matthew Short late in the afternoon session.

It was at least a return to some kind of form for Cook, who before this had not passed fifty in seven innings stretching back to August’s pink-ball Test against West Indies at Edgbaston.

Cook had looked scratchy when making 32 in the second innings of the previous tour match against a CA XI in Adelaide last week.

After a slow start, when he took 12 balls to get off the mark, Cook was much better here.

He was dropped on 40 when offering a sharp chance to Gurinder Sandhu. But other than his dismissal, he appeared in much better rhythm than previously and England will hope he will have gained some much needed confidence ahead of the Gabba.

Confidence is a commodity that Stoneman should be overflowing with after his run of scores on this tour.