Honours were just about even after the first day of the Youth Test between Australia and England Under-17's at Adelaide on Monday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia declared their innings closed on 277-7 before leaving England a tricky 45 minutes to bat in which they lost one wicket, adding 33 runs.

The day was one for team contributions, rather than one player dominating the card. No less than six Australians passed 25, with the highest scorer being Kenneth Skewes. Skewes, who made 51, came in with the innings threatening to falter somewhat on 121-4. The right-hander sensibly added 59 with Simon Hill (45), then another 49 with Tim Paine before becoming Gary Scott's only wicket. Keeper Tim Paine made a grafting 37 before the Aussies decided to declare. David Stiff was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-20 in 17 overs.

In reply, England lost Andrew Gale, cutting Grant Sullivan to point. They should have picked up a second wicket before the close, as skipper Joe Sayers glanced a ball from Sullivan into the hands of Tim Paine behind the stumps. The celebrations were premature however, as the umpire had signalled a no-ball. It was one of eight no-balls from Sullivan.

The game is only scheduled for three days, and England will need to pick up the scoring rate if they are to have a chance of forcing a result.

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