Sorensen claims five wicket haul as rain ruins second day

Sorensen claims five wicket haul as rain ruins second day

Just 16 overs of play were possible on the second day of Ireland's four-day match against Australia A at Stormont. In the play that did take place, the tourists added 64 runs, advancing their overnight score from 248 for 6 to 312 for 9.

Heavy rain, which wiped out the entire domestic cricket programme in Northern Ireland eventually forced the players from the field after 72 minutes play, never to return.

On the field Max Sorensen (5-50) recorded his first five wicket haul for Ireland when he dismissed James Pattinson for 66.

Steve Smith had been the first wicket of the day to fall, caught behind by Stuart Poynter from an excellent Trent Johnston delivery.

Smith had scored 133 from 220 balls (19 fours, 1 six), sharing a 7th wicket partnership of 156 with Pattinson which transformed the Australia A innings from a fragile 139 for 6 into 295 for 7.

The other wicket to fall was Nathan Lyon for just 2, caught by Max Sorensen from a loose drive, giving Johnston figures of 4 for 68.

Debutant Fawed Ahmed strode to the middle but before he could face a ball, the rain descended bringing play to a halt.

The forecast for the next two days is much more favourable when Ireland will face a tough task against the much vaunted Australian bowling attack.

At Stormont, Ireland XI v Australia A, Day 2 Close of Play

Australia XI 312-9 (88 overs, S Smith 133, J Pattinson 66, M Sorensen 5-50, T Johnston 4-68) v Ireland XI.