Neil Edwards has a day to remember in Adelaide

England Under 19's ended the third day of the First Test against Australia in Adelaide 230 runs ahead of their hosts with one second innings wicket remaining, thanks to a fine 97 from Somerset's Neil Edwards.

The tall left handed opener from Penzance was disappointed to be run out just three runs short of what would have been a richly deserved century.

He told me: "It was definitely good to get some runs under my belt, and going into the morning I felt really confident and relaxed and really up for it."

He continued: "I was pleased with the way that I had played both the seam attack, and especially the spin, which has been causing me problems on the tour so far. Soon after lunch got my fifty, and from there on I was in the frame of mind to take the game to them a bit and started to attack all their bowlers!!"

Regarding his dismissal he said: "I had no idea what score I was on when I called for a single off the leg spinner that was half stopped by a diving full stretch fielder at mid wicket. I was already well down the wicket and I was nearly home when the fielder directly hit the stumps! There was a run there but some confusion had left me run out on 97 but I was'nt too disheartened when the boys told me my score. However it would have been something really special to have made my first Test century on my England debut."

He concluded : "This was a really special day that I will never forget, and I would like to thank everyone at home for their support."

Somerset coach Kevin Shine was full of praise for the young opener. He told me: "Neil is a player for the future. He is a genuine opening bat who has got his feet on the ground and should build upon this experience. England Under 19 cricket has been a spring board for many star players like Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick and Neil is capable of following in their footsteps."