JAMES Rew scored 95 off 116 balls in a starring performance in the final of the Cricket World U19's Cup in Antigua this weekend.

Despite the Somerset cricketer and King's College student's impressive knock, England lost to India by four wickets in the final.

Rew’s 95, which came off 116 balls and included 12 fours, helped England, who had won the toss and opted to bat, recover from a perilous start in which they lost Jacob Bethell and Tom Prest inside the first four overs.

England slumped to 61 for six in the 17th over but Rew put on a half-century partnership with James Sales before falling five runs short of his century, while the latter was stranded on 34 not out as they were bowled out for 189.

Raj Bawa took five for 31 to register India’s best bowling performance in the final of an ICC tournament and fellow seamer Ravi Kumar finished with four for 34.

England, playing in their first final at this level for 24 years, made the perfect start in India’s reply as Joshua Boyden dismissed Angkrish Raghuvanshi for a duck off the third ball of the innings.

They had India wobbling at 97 for four after Sales struck twice, including the wicket of Shaik Rasheed, who made a half-century.

Bawa then scored 35 to put India within striking distance before Nishant Sindhu finished the job with an unbeaten 50 as India clinched a record-extending fifth title.

Also in action was Somerset youngster, George Thomas, he scored 27 off 30 balls as the opening batsmen.