England seamers toil against Jaques and New South Wales

SYDNEY, Nov 12 (Reuters) England's seam bowlers struggled on the opening day of the tour match against New South Wales who reached 125 for one at lunch after winning the toss today.

Phil Jaques, who scored a century to help the Prime Minister's XI crush England in their opening tour game on Friday, was 68 not out at the interval with his captain Simon Katich on 29.

England's only success of the morning came with the total on 38 when opener Ed Cowan was bowled by fast bowler Steve Harmison for 26 off the inside edge.

Harmison conceded nine runs from his first over and 32 in an erratic six-over spell.

England captain Andrew Flintoff bowled five steady overs for 12 runs and had Katich dropped by Marcus Trescothick at first slip.

Jaques struck nine fours and a big six over backward square leg off James Anderson.

REUTERS SP BD0848