We saw a batting masterclass from England: Ricky Ponting

How many times have we seen the Australian bowling attack being helpless the way they were at the Trent Bridge last night? They were absolutely hammered by England batsmen as they posted the highest ever ODI score of 481 runs in 50 overs. The inexperienced bowlers had no answers whatsoever to the carnage. The assistant coach of Australia, Ricky Ponting, was effusive in the praise of the opposition and believed that they produced an absolute masterclass with the bat.

It all started with the opening partnership of 159 runs between Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow as the latter went to score 139 runs off just 92 balls. Alex Hales then joined the party and tore apart the already flustered bowlers. He smashed 147 runs with 16 fours and 5 massive sixes. Eoin Morgan was also not far away as he notched up a fastest ODI fifty for his country. As many as 41 fours and 21 maximums were hit during the innings with the Australian bowlers only making a comeback in the last few overs.

We saw something pretty special

Ricky Ponting admitted that their bowlers were not up to the mark in the game as the trio of Bairstow, Hales and Roy blasted their way at the start. He was all praise of the show they put up on the day while speaking to Sky Sports Cricket. “As good as the wicket was, to score 481, we saw a batting masterclass there from Bairstow, Roy and Hales,” he said.

“Eoin Morgan gets the fastest one-day international fifty for England. It was special batting. Yes, it’s a depleted Australian bowling attack, we can accept that, but I think we saw something pretty special today,” Ponting went on to add. While he was being realistic about England being excellent, the former Aussie captain felt that the bowlers should’ve employed for slower deliveries much earlier in the innings which they did well in the death overs.

“We didn’t get anywhere near this being a close game today but maybe the Australian bowlers could have adjusted a bit earlier, maybe they could have bowled slower balls early on, tried the around the wicket option earlier on,” the 43-year-old said.

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