The English cricket team was right at home in drizzly conditions at Redlands this morning as the touring team played an intra-squad warm-up match as a prelude for the first Ashes test at the Gabba.
Fresh out of quarantine, the team was welcomed by showers and a keen crowd of about 100 for the match at Redland Tigers cricket ground.
The English and Australian teams are playing intra-squad matches at Redlands Peter Burge oval because neither squad will have proper warm up matches before the first Test at the Gabba on December 8.
It saw fast bowlers ripping into batsmen straight away in the warm and humid Queensland conditions.
Spectator Ron Lawrence from Birkdale said he felt lucky to have top level cricketers playing just down the road.
"We would have ridden our bikes here if it wasn't so wet," Mr Lawrence said.
"They should have games like this out here more often. It would really help the game. It's great to come and watch."
English super-fan Norm Crosby, who originally hails from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, travelled from Shailer Park, Logan, to watch the match and said the pitch was in great condition.
"This is such a quality pitch, it's like a snooker table with how clear it is," he said.
"It's great to see our team play out here. They should do more games like this."
Peter Burge Oval will host the English team this week and the Australian team next week.
Allan Border Oval was not available for the warm-up games.
Emily Lowe
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
