Lions struggle against yet another Tim Ward century

The Cricket Australia XI put up a total of 214 in their first innings and followed it up with a strong performance in their second innings, reaching 357 for 6. Top scorers for Australia XI included Ward with 120, Clayton with 84, and Radhakrishnan with 58. The England Lions had earlier scored 316 in their first innings, with notable performances from Flintoff with 108, Davies with 76, and McCann with 51. Whitney was the standout bowler for Australia XI, finishing with figures of 4-72. With a lead of 255 runs, Australia XI are in a commanding position heading into the final stages of the match.

A Tim Ward century helped Cricket Australia XI turn around their tour game against the England Lions who could manage only five wickets on the third day in Brisbane.

Ward's patient 120 from 223 balls provided the foundation for the home side to take a 255-run lead into the final day after reaching stumps at 357 for 6.

Essex's Sam Cook was the best of the Lions attack claiming 3 for 34 from 20 overs to continue his impressive tour, while Jack Clayton was the CA XI's next best scorer with 84.

Ward set the tone for a tough day for the Lions bowlers as he dug in alongside opener Nivethan Radhakrishnan, who hit 58 from 110 balls, as they sought to blunt the tourists' threat.

Radhakrishnan eventually pulled Pat Brown, who took a hat-trick in the first innings, to Hamza Shaikh behind square. Clayton then took a more aggressive approach to strike 84 from 101 balls in a 140-run third wicket partnership with Ward.

Left-arm spinner James Coles ended the stand when Clayton edged to Freddie McCann at first slip and, after Ward reached his ton after five hours at the crease, Cook finally prised him out with a faint nick to wicketkeeper James Rew.

Cook struck again in signature style when Hugo Burdon was trapped leg before but the home side had built an advantage to set up the final day.