A SUPERB Jonny Bairstow century was not enough to give England Lions victory in their Tri-Series match against New Zealand A at the County Ground in Bristol on Friday.

The Yorkshire batsman, who played for England in the last two Ashes series, scored 123 from 115 balls to set up a thrilling chase but the Lions were eventually bowled out for 260 from 47.4 overs, falling 22 runs short of New Zealand’s total with Doug Bracewell, nephew of Gloucestershire’s director of cricket John Bracewell, and Matt Henry taking three wickets apiece.

The tourists finished on 282 all out in their 50 overs despite Northants’ David Willey claiming 5-61 with Dean Brownlie hitting 115 off 107 balls.

The Lions also included seam bowler Steven Finn, who was left out of the Test team to face India at Old Trafford after making the original 13-man squad.