Australia vs England, 4th ODI - 5 Talking Points

Australia finally tasted success in the ongoing series against England as the hosts registered a hard-fought 3-wicket win. It was a low scoring thriller which kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The way England fought their way back into the game on numerous occasions was exceptional, but the Kangaroos eventually were a little too good.

Travis Head fell four runs short of a scintillating hundred, however, doing the required amount for his side to ensure the victory. Tim Paine held his nerve towards the end ensured the run chase doesn’t get more tricky. We’ve seen so many high-scoring thrillers at the Adelaide Oval and although this one was a bit uncharacteristic, it was very entertaining.

Here are the five talking points of the game.

1. Half the side dismissed before scoring 10 runs

Yes, you read that right! England lost half their side even before they scored 10 runs on the board. Josh Hazlewood and Patrick Cummins annihilated the top order with their pace and class. Four out of the top six batsmen fell without scoring a run as England lost five wickets in the Powerplay scoring just 8 runs. It was their least ever score after losing five wickets in ODI cricket.

2. Fast bowling masterclass!

Josh Hazlewood and Andrew Tye tore apart the English lineup with a brilliant rendition. Both these bowlers took 3 wickets each and repaid their skipper’s trust wonderfully. But the star of the innings was Pat Cummins, who registered figures of 4/24 in 10 overs. It was his career-best spell in ODIs and eventually, it earned him the player of the match award.

3. Chris Woakes fights a lone battle

Who would’ve expected a side to scamper through to the 196-mark, especially after losing five wickets for 8 runs? Chris Woakes first stitched an important partnership with Moeen Ali and the added another 58-run stand with Tom Curran. His half-century helped the English post a fighting total on board. He entertaining knock eventually came to an end after scoring 78 off 82 balls, which included 5 sixes and 4 fours.

4. Much-needed knock for Travis Head

With many players fighting it for the one opening slot on the Australian side, Travis Head grabbed the opportunity wonderfully with both hands. After losing David Warner, Cameron White, and Steve Smith early, the game seemed to be heading towards an interesting path. But Head kept playing his shots and kept the scoreboard ticking. He only lost his focus towards the end, when the game was almost done and dusted. He scored 96 off 107 balls, with 15 fours.

5. Adil Rashid makes the Aussies work hard

English leggie Adil Rashid’s breathtaking spell did drag the game towards a close finish. Just when the Aussies were cruising away, he got the wickets of Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession. He earlier picked up the wicket of Steve Smith as well. Tim Paine somehow managed to hold his nerve and take his side over the line. But Rashid’s spell of 3/49 brought the Adelaide Oval on to the edge of their seats.