Flower powers MCC to victory

MCC 275 for 2 dec and 296 for 3 (A Flower 110*, Cook 97) beat Warwickshire 345 for 5 dec and 225 for 4 dec (Frost 91, Trott 72*) by 7 wickets
Scorecard

Andy Flower struck an unbeaten century as MCC successfully reached a target of 296, with eight overs remaining, on the final day of their match against Warwickshire. Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain and honorary life member of MCC, became the third century-maker in the season curtain-raiser as Warwickshire's bowling attack was given a thorough working-over.

After the opening day was washed out, this fixture became an old-fashioned three-day match and Nick Knight responded to John Stephenson's second-day declaration by closing Warwickshire's second innings on 225 for 4. Tony Frost fell nine short of a century after adding 161 with Jonathon Trott. MCC were hampered by the absence of Sajid Mahmood, the Lancashire seamer, who did not bowl in the second innings after feeling pain in his left ankle.

Warwickshire's attack were missing Dewald Pretorius, with a leg injury, and the gentle nature of the pitch and short Grandstand boundary meant MCC's target was not as steep as may have appeared. For the second time in two days MCC were given a bright start by Alastair Cook and Matt Prior, but just as Prior was beginning to look threatening he was caught behind off Heath Streak (39 for 1). Michael Powell, the Glamorgan batsman, didn't last long, trapped lbw by Dougie Brown (54 for 2) but then came the match-winning partnership.

Cook showed that yesterday's century was no flash in the pan, as he and Flower took control, and ensured the asking rate was never out of control. Cook was on the verge of rounding off a memorable Lord's performance with his second century of the match, but fell three short when he was caught by Michael Powell off the innocuous medium-pace of Trott (235 for 3).

Mark Pettini, the promising Essex batsman, joined Flower to complete the run-chase and was determined not be overshadowed by his more illustrious partner, striking 41 at a run-a-ball. Flower faced 114 balls, and struck 12 fours, in an innings that will have pleased Essex as the championship season approaches. All the bowlers suffered, but Alex Loudon's figures took a particular hammering, conceding 74 runs from his 11 overs of offspin. Warwickshire have some work to do before they start the defence of their title, against Glamorgan on Wednesday.