Alice Springs (Australia), Nov 29 (IANS): Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI were 16 for no loss after England XI declared at 212/7 on the first of the two-day tour match at Traeger Park here Friday.

After winning the toss and sending the visitors in to bat, it was only a matter of seven overs before Josh Lalor (1/36) struck with the first wicket of the match when Michael Carberry (6) was caught out by Marcus Harris at mid-wicket.

Eight overs later Jayde Herrick (1/31) claimed the scalp of opener Joe Root (22) when he cut one into gully and was caught by Michael Hill. Simon Mackin (2/32) joined in for his first wicket when Matt Prior (19) was caught behind, taking England to 3/62.

Gary Ballance (55) and Ben Stokes (28) worked well together to steady England’s innings with a 43-run partnership before Stokes was caught out by Harris off the bowling of Alexander Keath (1/11). Ballance proved to be the main-stayer of his side’s innings before he was run out by James Muirhead.

Mackin picked up his second wicket when Ian Bell (13) was caught behind. Graeme Swann (29) added vital runs late in the afternoon with his knock including three fours before he edged one to slip and was caught by Hill off the bowling of Muirhead (1/33).

Jonny Bairstow (31 not out) and Steve Finn (5 not out) were the two unbeaten batsmen in the middle when England declared after 78 overs.

Steve Cazzulino (5 not out) and Marcus Harris (10 not out) faced 10 overs towards the end of the day and will return to the crease Saturday morning at 16/0, trailing England by 196 runs.

Australia currently lead the Ashes 1-0 with the second Test to start Dec 5 at the Adelaide Oval.