Result: Match Drawn, WA had a 1st innings victory - Match Report

Toss: Western Australia

Umpires: AR Craig and IH Lock

Match Report

After another dismal performance, England have no choice but to step up another couple of gears in the next week or so if they are going to cause Australia any problems in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. England's two-day tour match against an under-strength Western Australia at the WACA ended in a draw, after the home side claimed a first innings victory courtesy of a superb innings from 19-year-old Sean Marsh, son of former Australian international Geoff Marsh.

Marsh top-scored with 92 and the game petered out to an inevitable draw. Western Australia finished on 6 for 313 after England's bowlers yet again failed to find line and length on a bouncy wicket. The two sides will clash again in a three-day match beginning on Monday but it begs the question what is the point of a two-day match?

Wouldnt it have been better for all concerned to have one four-day match? The batsmen have more time to settle and the bowlers can find line and length on wickets alien to them at present. At least thats the theory! England fast bowler Andy Caddick spoke out earlier this week, blaming the poor start on the different playing conditions in Australia.

With England captain Nasser Hussain admitting they are behind the game plan at the moment, the last thing they needed today was to pick up another injury scare. It came courtesy of Marcus Trescothicks shoulder and he now joins a growing number of unfit players in the squad. Those already on the list include Michael Vaughan, Darren Gough, Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones. Craig White, who is in Australia playing A-grade cricket, has been called up as cover to help ease this latest crisis.

Injury or no injury, England are struggling to find their form on this tour and time is running out. Western Australia, who are without the likes of rested Australia pair Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn, outplayed the tourists in every department over the last two days. The top-order batsmen look out of touch and the bowlers cant seem to bowl a good length. Mondays three-day game against the same opposition will be a big test for England and if they fail to impress again, they will not have enough time to try out other options.