Redfern ensures draw amid Beard blitz

England U-19 402 and 246 for 7 (Redfern 79*, Hales 66) drew with New Zealand U-19 372 and 302 (Williamson 151, Boam 68)
Scorecard

The second youth Test ended in an honourable draw at Worcester, with Dan Redfern holding tight for England with an unbeaten 79 as his team-mates succumbed to Nick Beard, who claimed five wickets. Kane Williamson converted his overnight 104 to 151 while Harry Boam added 18 to his 50 as New Zealand put on 302.

England were left with a target of 273 that proved just beyond their reach, though they were also seven down. Alex Hales and Billy Taylor gave them a fighting start with a stand of 83, Hales completing his second fifty of the match, but Beard's influence grew and grew until he had five top- and middle-order wickets and England were in minor trouble at 173 for 5.

Redfern and Ben Brown all but ensured the draw in a sixth-wicket partnership 62, with Brown contributing 29 before falling to Harry Boam. Chris Woakes came and went cheaply but, by that stage, the result was straightforward.

The sides now meet in a five-ODI series which begins this Friday at Canterbury, which is hosting back-to-back matches.