Former Hampshire batsman breaks England record (From Daily Echo)

Former Hampshire batsman breaks England record

8:48am Friday 15th February 2013 in International

Alex Hales and Michael Lumb's record opening stand carried England to a 10-wicket win over New Zealand to clinch the Twenty20 series 2-1.

Captain Stuart Broad led from the front as impressive bowling and fielding set up England's success at the Westpac Stadium.

But it was Hales (80no) and former Hampshire batsman Lumb (53no) who finished the job in exhilarating style, and with an astounding 7.2 overs to spare. Only Martin Guptill (59) stayed long enough to provide substance to the hosts' 139 for eight, after England had chosen to bowl first.

Then once Hales and Lumb got England's reply off to a rapid start - 57 in five overs - the remainder was a foregone conclusion.

The openers hit the ball supremely, nine times for six between them in a stand of 143 which made a mockery of England's target and in the process beat the nation's previous record opening stand of 128.

Much of the hardest work had been done by the tourists' bowlers nonetheless.