CHRISTCHURCH. Nov 10 (Internet report): England A opened the New Zealand leg of their winter tour with a comprehensive victory over the local Academy XI by six wickets at Lincoln, Christchurch.

There were several moments of alarm for England A along the way. caused initially by the number of wides and no balls conceded during the Academy innings and then by the loss of three wickets In the space of eight overs at the start of their innings.

However, a stand of 108 in 20 overs between Mark Alleyne (53) and Aftab Habib (46 not out) eliminated the possibility of an embarrassment as they reached their victory total of 184 for the loss of just four wickets.

Apart from the quite unacceptable number of extras (51). it was a thoroughly efficient performance In the field as the hosts were dismissed at 183 for nine from their 50 overs.

The quicker bowlers enjoyed a pitch that gave them some assistance, after the diet of low. slow turners they had been forced to endure In Bangladesh.