England v Australia 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points

England v Australia 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points: In the 1^st ODI match at the Ageas Bowl, the world champions Australia defeated England by 59 runs to gain lead the 5-match ODI series 1-0. The loss meant that the English side was unable to beat Australia once again in ODIs, they have now lost 10 out of their last 11 ODI matches against their arch-rivals. While batting first, the visitors set up a challenging target of 306 runs for the hosts which was never going to be easy keeping in mind the new ODI rules. England could only manage 246 runs in reply, as Australia’s disciplined bowling proved too good to handle for the Englishmen.

Let’s have a look at the England v Australia 1st ODI: 5 Talking Points:

1. Wade’s blistering knock:

When the Australian wicket-keeper batsmen Matthew Wade came out to bat, the Australian team was in a middle of a collapse. And his innings got off to the worst of starts as he had a horrifying mix-up in the middle with Shane Watson which resulted in Watto getting run-out. But the southpaw more than made up for it as he blasted 71 runs off just 50 deliveries with 12 fours which included quite a few improvised shots as well. He played a wide array of strokes, severely punished the loose deliveries and marked his return to the side with a man of the match performance.

2. The Wade – Marsh partnership:

The pair of Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh turned the tables for the Australian side as they added 112 runs in 78 balls for the 7th wicket to put Australia onto the driver’s seat. From 193-6, they marched the team to a commanding total of 305 runs. Though Marsh struggled with his timing but he amassed a 34 ball 40 run knock and gave support to Wade who looked in imperious touch. In the end their partnership proved to be the difference between both the sides.

3. Australia’s thumping bowling:

The task of defending 306 runs was not as easy as it sounds. In their previous series what England did must have given a scare to the Aussie boys. But their bowling department put up a disciplined show with Mitchell Starc, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins and Shane Watson grabbing 2 scalps each. They bowled immaculate line and lengths and with the score-board pressure mounting, England were rather forced to attack which brought about their downfall. They got bundled out for 246 runs.

4. England’s batting collapse:

The flat pitch at the Ageas Bowl and the impeccable recent form of the English players in coloured jersey must have given them enough confidence going into the chase. And that was the case as well, the English side was sailing smoothly in the chase until the Australian’s triggered a batting collapse. From 152-2 to 194-7, the English team lost their 5 crucial wickets merely for 42 runs which transformed the chase into an improbable task.

5. Adil Rashid’s bowing:

It was a tough day on the park for the English bowlers. The flat pitch didn’t gave any assistance to their pacers. But the English leggie who was slated to be the biggest threat for the Aussie side didn’t disappoint. Adil Rashid’s variations became a tough nut to crack for the tourists. He was bit lucky as well to get two wickets on full-tosses. But the wicket of Warner and Baliey were testimony of his artistic skills with the white ball. He outfoxed Warner with his googly and deceived Bailey with a quicker-one that gripped the wicket a little and skidded to trap Bailey plumb in-front.