Cook, Carberry Hit Tons Against Australia A

Hobart: Skipper Alastair Cook (154*) scored a century in an unbeaten opening stand with Michael Carberry (153*) as England made a strong start in their tour match against Australia A in Hobart on Wednesday.

The tourists were 318 without loss at stump on day 1 after winning the toss, with Cook on 154 off 272 balls and Carberry, preferred as opener to Joe Root, on 153 from 288 balls with 22 boundaries and two huge sixes.

England had an easy time against the Australia A bowlers under sunny skies after drawing their opening tour match against the WA Chairman's XI in Perth.

Cook, still showing some inconvenience from his back troubles that kept him out of the tour opener, has hit 19 fours.

Cook is making his first appearance on tour along with batsman Kevin Pietersen, spinner Graeme Swann and paceman Stuart Broad, who all missed the opening draw in Perth.

Root was pushed down the batting order to number five. Gary Ballance was included again after his first-ball duck in Perth as he bids to win the number six batting spot in the opening Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane, starting on November 21.

Brief scores
England XI - 0 for 318 (Cook 154*, Carberry 153*)

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 3rd ODI 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs

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