Aussies impress in English Twenty20
The Aussies playing Twenty20 in England have been taking the game seriously - and lifting their teams to success along the way
Cricinfo staff
30-Jun-2006
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Andrew Johns' controversial involvement in Twenty20 in Australia may have a few detractors complaining about New South Wales being too lighthearted in their attitude to the short game, but in England it's a different story. There's no doubt that the Australians are taking their roles in the English domestic competition very seriously indeed - and they have been instrumental in this week's success stories for their counties.
In the latest round of matches on Thursday, Stuart Law struck 58 to take Lancashire to a last-ball victory against Leicestershire, Lancashire's first victory in two matches. Dominic Thornely was Hampshire's hero as they consigned Middlesex to their second successive defeat. Thornely made an unbeaten 50 and then took 3 for 30 from 4 overs.
Ian Harvey hit 40 from the top, as Gloucestershire kept out Worcestershire at the death, while Justin Langer may have made just 23 but that was enough to help Somerset tie with Northants. And earlier in the week, Langer impressed with fellow Aussie Cameron White as Somerset got their campaign off to a flying start by posting a record 250 for 3 against Gloucestershire at Taunton. White made 116 from 53 balls, while Langer added 90.
The visitors folded meekly for 133.
On Thursday, meanwhile, Andy Bichel's late but great start to his Essex season continued as he scalped four wickets to lift them to victory.