England gained revenge over Wales for last year's defeat at Sophia Gardens on Saturday, but Robert Croft and his side came so close to upsetting the apple cart yet again.

They fell eight runs short of the visitors but could and probably should have won this game.

However, silly, unnecessary run-outs cost them dear.

Had Wales not have gifted England the three wickets, then victory would surely have been secured.

And Glamorgan ace Robert Croft can take much of the responsibility for two of the three run-outs.

He twice pushed for an unnecessary single leading to the dismissals of Mike Powell and Ian Thomas.

But he more than made up for it with a superb 59 off 69 balls, as well as chipping in with two wickets.

England set the target of 235, not bad considering at one stage they were 44-4. Marcus Trescothick and Anthony McGraph helped England, with Trescothick notching 55 and McGrath a half- century.

The 46 of Rikki Powell was vital, but through inspired bowling from Australian-born Michael Kasprowicz the visitors were under pressure.

Kasprowicz took three wickets for 38 runs, taking the scalps of Michael Vaughan, James Troughton and Andrew Flintoff. And a 42 partnership between Darren Gough and Kabir Ali ensured that England set a respectable target.

The 235 England set was well within Wales' reach and Croft set the early pace with his 69.

And considering Wales at one stage were 138-4, runs were never going to be a problem.

Wales were firmly in control at the half-way stage, but wickets in hand were proving to be a problem and the game quickly swung England's way.

Adrian Dale and Mark Wallace looked as if they could form the partnership needed. But Wallace was caught by James Troughton and it was all downhill from there.

Dale then lost his wicket to Ali, and the last straw was the wicket of Dean Cosker, caught by Vaughan and bowled by Ali.