First Match, First Blood

England 223-8 dec & 243-4 beat Western Australia 242-8 dec & 223 by six wickets

England skipper Andrew Strauss hit 120 not out as England thumped Western Australia by six wickets in their opening warm-up game ahead of the Ashes series.Straussy's 141-ball knock featured a six and 15 fours as he led his side home on 243-4 in Perth.

Developing a winning habit early in the tour was one of England's goals on arriving in Australia and the manner in which they went about their run-chase at the Waca Ground was a reflection of the confidence within the camp. After Cook's early dismissal, Strauss took charge and was well supported by the other members of the top order.

He shared stands of 65, 66 and 54 with Trott, KP and Colly before he and Ian Bell, who finished with 22 not out, knocked off the remaining runs. The England captain was particularly strong on the back foot, relishing the chance to pull anything dropped short, but he brought up his century with a straight drive for four off spinner Michael Swart.

England also bowled well earlier in the day, picking up nine wickets for 114 runs after Western Australia had resumed on 109-1. With Swann turning in impressive figures. All in all, a great start to the tour.