England race to win as Willey is the star

DAVID Willey starred with ball and bat as England tuned up for their T20 tri-series against Australia and New Zealand by demolishing a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

The home side were billed as the PM’s strongest line-up in years, boasting 239 international caps between them, but were brushed aside by eight wickets as the tourists raced home with 44 balls remaining.

Willey, having already taken three wickets, hammered England’s Ashes tormentor Nathan Lyon’s first five balls for six in the sixth over of the chase, falling just short of a maximum haul when he stroked the final delivery for four.

The Yorkshire all-rounder has never batted higher than seven for England but has plenty of domestic experience at the top of the order and finished with 79 from 36 balls.

With the hosts making just 136-8, Liam Dawson claiming three for 16, England hurried to victory at indecent pace.

Having already flagged their intention to leave out Liam Plunkett, Chris Jordan and Alex Hales due to fitness niggles, England added Jason Roy to the absentee list when he reported a stiff back.

That led to Willey’s fortuitous promotion and a first appearance at senior level for 19-year-old Sam Curran, who joined elder brother Tom in the XI.

Willey took care of new-ball duties and, in his second over, both openers.

Peter Nevill played on attempting to drag a ball from a yard outside off and the dangerous Nic Maddinson top-edged an abortive pull to short fine-leg.

Peter Handscomb, dropped after two Ashes Tests, used an exaggerated backlift and nimble footwork to strike 43 in quick time but lacked assistance.