Australia A v England Lions: Matthew Wade retires hurt as Marcus Harris anchors Aussie charge to victory

Matthew Wade suffered a pre-Ashes injury scare after taking a heavy hit from a short ball that forced him to retire as Australia A closed in on a massive win over England Lions in their tour match.

Tim Paine got among the runs at Canterbury.

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Matthew Wade endured an untimely injury scare with the Ashes just weeks away, forced to retire hurt from Australia XI’s tour match against England Lions.

Australia XI reached 6-233 to give themselves a 353-run lead and move to the cusp of victory going into the final day’s play.

Wade was struck on his elbow by a short ball from Lewis Gregory and was attended by medical staff before ultimately calling time on his innings.

Wade was left on his haunches and clutching at his right elbow after the incident. He continued until the Tea break, but did not emerge after that.

Matthew Wade was struck on the arm during the match between England Lions v Australia A.

“Matthew went for a precautionary X-ray after taking a blow to his right elbow,” Dr John Orchard told cricket.com.au.

“The X-ray came back clear but he’s probably suffering from a bruised nerve from the impact and his grip strength is impaired.

“Matthew will be reassessed in the morning but it’s unlikely he’ll bat again in this innings. However we’re very hopeful he’ll recover in good time for the Australia - Australia A game next week.”

Opener Marcus Harris smashed a half-century, while Kurtis Patterson (38) and captain Tim Paine (38) had also made important contributions by stumps at Canterbury.

“We’re in a pretty good position, I assume we’ll probably bat for a couple overs in the morning or declare overnight, but the wicket seems to have enough there for us and if they go for the runs it will probably put us in a good position to try and win the game,” Harris said.

Tim Paine found some touch at Canterbury.

He said he was disappointed not to make more runs but spending time in the middle was more important, especially to keep consistency before the Ashes.

“Disappointing to get out with 50-odd on the board, but good to spend a couple hours in the middle, just to face a fair few balls in the English conditions. It’s something a bit different,” Harris said.

“I’m not sure Test cricket is too similar to that but just to spend some time in the middle is great.”

Earlier, Jackson Bird (3-51), Chris Tremain (4-70) and Jon Holland (2-56) helped keep England to a low total with Sam Curran (50) the only notable contributor with the bat.

Jackson Bird is making an excellent case for Ashes inclusion.

Harris opened Australia’s second innings with a measured 50 from 115 balls, combining for a 76-run stand on the second wicket with Kurtis Patterson (38) after fellow opener Joe Burns was caught by England’s Sam Hain off Jamie Porter.

Spinner Jack Leach then managed to dismiss both men with Patterson caught at slip and Harris caught at cover before Ashes hopeful Travis Head was picked out in the gully off Lewis Gregory (1-30) for just 12 to push Australia XI from 1-106 at 4-121.

After tea Mitchell Marsh stepped into combine with Paine for 53 in 14 overs to stabilise the visitors’ afternoon session.

Eventually Marsh (26) was lbw to Ollie Robinson, while Paine was caught and bowled by Leach, who finished with 3-91.

At stumps, Michael Neser was 20 not out and Tremain was unbeaten on nine.

Originally published as Australia A v England Lions: Matthew Wade retires hurt as Marcus Harris anchors Aussie charge to victory