The ECB National Academy got off to a winning start with a routine 73-run victory in their one-day match with Tasmania 2nd XI, the first of their Australian programme. Batting first, Rod Marsh's Academy boys made 294 for 7 from their 50 overs. Owais Shah, one of four men in the party with international experience (Alex Tudor, Chris Schofield and Graeme Swann are the others), top-scored with 74, and there were also half-centuries for two of England's most heralded young batsmen, Durham's Nicky Peng and Ian Bell of Warwickshire.

Tasmania never really threatened to make a game of it and were dismissed for 221 with more than five overs to spare. Mark Wagh (3 for 42) was England's most successful bowler with his occasional offspin, but Bell completed a good personal performance with 2 for 26 and legspinner Schofield also took two wickets.

The Academy squad's next match is another one-dayer, against the South Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide next Wednesday.

ECB National Academy XI 294-7 (50 overs) Owais Shah 74, Nicky Peng 50, Ian Bell 55, Derek Kenway 36*

Tasmania 2nd XI 221 (44.5 overs) Mark Wagh 3-42, Ian Bell 2-26, Chris Schofield 2-46

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