Bairstow, Morgan shine for England XI

Navi Mumbai - Strong batting performances by Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan guided England XI to a mammoth 338 for six against Mumbai A on the first day of the warm-up game at the D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium here Saturday.

Bairstow struck a fine 118 and Morgan 76 for their 156-run stand for the fifth wicket that bailed out England from a precarious 66 for four.

Samit Patel continued his impressive performance and was batting on 59 with skipper Stuart Broad (6) when the stumps were drawn.

But despite a strong performance by the middle-order, England’s opening woes are far from over because neither Joe Root (28) nor Nick Compton (1) could stake their claim as Alastair Cook‘s new Test opening partner.

However, the visitors can take some solace from the performance of Bairstow, who got his maiden first-class hundred in an England shirt.

Bairstow and Morgan batted inspiringly in the second session as the Mumbai bolwers went wicket-less after a dominating performance in the morning.

Morgan hit eight fours and a six in his patient 128-ball knock while Bairstow clubbed 14 fours during his 177-ball stay.

After they departed in the post-lunch session, Patel spanked the Mumbai bowlers for a quickfire unbeaten 59 off 68 balls. Patel hit seven fours during his entertaining innings.