England recognition has come pretty late in life for Mark Alleyne and Vince Wells.

But the two unlikely lads of England's one-day squad in Australia made the most of their chance to star in the 92-run victory over Queens-land in the final warm-up match at The Gabba.

They must now entertain hopes, if only privately, that they could force their way into the first match of the Carlton and United series against Australia on Sunday, or at least into close contention.

Alleyne, especially, could do no wrong. He stroked the ball with composure and effect from the outset to make a 40-ball 60, and being brought on as England's seventh bowler, the Gloucestershire captain picked up four for six in 2.2 overs.

The man with the golden arm was once on a hat-trick and two catches by Wells in the deep enhanced his figures as England rushed to victory with 7.4 overs to spare.

Wells had earlier hit a commanding 63 from 60 deliveries, showing no hint of big match nerves before a crowd of 17,000, as he launched England on the way to a total of 324 for six from their 50 overs. It always looked to be too challenging for Queensland, despite their regular humbling of touring teams in recent years.

Alleyne, 30, was born in Tottenham of Barbadian parents and went to school in both London and the Cari-bbean. He has always been a respected player on the county circuit, but in the last few years has "really tried to give it a go" to get international recognition.

"I might have been part of the county scene, doing well, but not being exceptional," said Alleyne. "I would have liked this recognition when I was 20, but I can't do anything about the past. But I will get stuck in now.

"If you play well for your county, you know you might be able to play for your country. The captaincy at Gloucestershire has put a hard edge on me, which might have been lacking in my early twenties.

"The bowling figures were sweet. I was hitting the crease quite well. And the batting went really well.

"I had a plan with Neil Fairbrother, and it went almost perfectly. It helped that I was nice and solid to start with."

Wells, with Nick Knight (58), made full use of the fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs. They added 128 for the first wicket in an excellent work-out for Sunday's next engagement with the old enemy.

Maybe the England management could now consider keeping that alliance intact and pushing captain Alec Stewart down to number three in place of Ben Hollioake.

Wells, once of Kent and now with reigning champions Leicestershire, said: "It's not the nosiest crowd I've played in front of - and I've played under lights about six times for Leicestershire.

"It always goes through you mind that you might get called up, and I kept hoping and never gave up. It's just great to be here and involved. Every game for me will be like a cup final."

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