England Lions’ bowlers fought back admirably against the Prime Minister’s XI on day one of the pink-ball day-night match in Canberra.
The Prime Minister’s XI were 231-2 shortly after the dinner break before the Lions took six wickets for just 59 runs under the floodlights, leading the hosts to declare on 308-8.
Lions openers Emilio Gay and Tom Haines survived to the close and the tourists will resume on 30-0, trailing by 278 runs, on the second and final day of the match.
Captain Haines, fast bowler Matthew Potts and spinner Tom Hartley took two wickets apiece for the tourists, with left-arm quick Josh Hull and all-rounder Jacob Bethell claiming one each.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue went wicketless but bowled with high pace and improved his control over the day, conceding 30 runs from his first six overs but only 18 from his last 10.
Tongue, 28, is the most likely candidate to replace Mark Wood for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, with the Durham fast bowler set to miss out because of concerns over his left knee. However, Potts, who impressed in taking 2-40, is another option.
The second Ashes Test, a pink-ball day-night match at the Gabba, starts on Thursday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was not in attendance at the Manuka Oval because he was getting married to his partner Jodie Haydon.
