Summary
- This time, England’s batters produced a commanding performance to post 355-6 in their allotted 50 overs before their bowlers dismantled Australia’s batting line-up for 220.
- Speaking after the innings, Brook praised his team’s batting effort, saying England remained in control throughout and successfully put Australia’s bowlers under pressure.
- Australia’s pursuit of the 356-run target got off to a disastrous start as England’s fast bowlers struck repeatedly during the opening overs.
England bounced back emphatically in the second ODI against Australia, securing a commanding 135-run victory in Adelaide on Sunday to level the three-match series at 1-1.
The visitors bounced back strongly after suffering a humiliating defeat in the opening match in Perth, where they were bowled out for just 131. This time, England’s batters produced a commanding performance to post 355-6 in their allotted 50 overs before their bowlers dismantled Australia’s batting line-up for 220.
Tom Banton led England’s resurgence with a magnificent century, scoring 121 off 99 deliveries. His innings featured 12 boundaries and four sixes, marking his second hundred in ODI cricket. The right-handed batter dominated the Australian attack and provided the platform for England to register a formidable total.
Banton found an ideal partner in experienced batter Joe Root, who contributed 62 runs. The pair stitched together a crucial 137-run partnership for the second wicket, setting a new record for England’s highest second-wicket stand in Australia in ODIs.
The partnership helped England recover after an early setback when Ben Duckett was dismissed with the score at 19. Banton and Root steadied the innings, punished loose deliveries and kept the scoreboard moving before Root’s innings ended when he top-edged a delivery from spinner Cooper Connolly towards cover.
England captain Harry Brook could not make a significant contribution, departing for just five runs. However, wicketkeeper Jordan Cox and Will Jacks ensured the visitors did not lose their momentum.
Cox played an impressive knock of 67, while Jacks remained unbeaten on 54 to strengthen England’s position. Their contributions helped the side maintain a healthy scoring rate during the latter stages of the innings.
Gus Atkinson also provided a late flourish, smashing two consecutive sixes in the final over bowled by Jack Edwards. The over yielded 18 runs, taking England to an imposing 355-6.
Speaking after the innings, Brook praised his team’s batting effort, saying England remained in control throughout and successfully put Australia’s bowlers under pressure. He also highlighted Banton’s outstanding contribution and the depth in England’s batting order that helped them cross the 350-run mark.
Australia’s pursuit of the 356-run target got off to a disastrous start as England’s fast bowlers struck repeatedly during the opening overs.
Gus Atkinson delivered an early blow by dismissing Travis Head, who edged the ball to Root at first slip. Atkinson struck again just two deliveries later, sending Cooper Connolly back to the pavilion after Brook took the catch at second slip.
Australia’s captain Mitchell Marsh became the third victim when he slashed at a delivery from Sonny Baker outside off stump. Root produced an excellent diving catch to his left to complete the dismissal.
Atkinson continued his destructive spell by removing Josh Inglis, who edged the ball onto the inside of his bat before Jordan Cox completed the catch. Australia were left reeling at 29-4 after just seven overs, with the required run rate already climbing beyond reach.
Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green attempted to rebuild the innings after the early collapse. The pair showed patience and resisted England’s bowling attack, scoring 63 and 64 runs respectively.
However, both batters were fortunate to survive early chances, with England missing opportunities to dismiss them. Despite their efforts, the mounting pressure of the required run rate made Australia’s task increasingly difficult.
Renshaw and Green’s resistance eventually proved insufficient as England continued to control the contest. The visitors wrapped up the match when Jofra Archer produced a perfectly executed yorker to bowl Spencer Johnson.
Atkinson was England’s leading bowler, finishing with figures of 4-27, while Baker claimed one wicket for 43 runs. Their early breakthroughs played a decisive role in putting Australia on the back foot.
Australian captain Marsh admitted that chasing a target of 350-plus placed his team under immense pressure from the beginning. He said Australia needed at least two batters from their top four to build a solid foundation if they were to have any realistic chance of reaching the target.
