- Mitchell Starc’s fiery bowling spell went in vein as Joe Root judgmatic innings lead England to registered back to back win.
Joe root scored unbeaten 46 runs off 58 balls to ensured his team don’t fall short of Aussies challenge. His innings only included a four as he was holding one end to cross the rope for England. He also shared 68 runs partnership with Jos Buttler before Buttler was dismissed by Starc. Earlier, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales shared 117 runs partnership for second wicket. Jonny Bairstow scored 60 runs off 56 balls with the help of 9 fours whereas Hales scored 57 runs off 59 balls which included 7 fours and a six. Aussie pace bowling spearhead, Mitchell Starc picked up four scalps of England. He sent back Jason Roy, Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler on his way to the figure of (10-0-59-4). Jhyc Richardson also chipped in with 2 wickets but it wasn’t enough to stop England. England chased down the target of 271 runs and won by 4 wickets with 34 balls remaining.
Earlier, winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first and posted the decent total of 270 runs with the lost of 9 wickets in inscribed 50 overs. Aaron Finch gave them a perfect start with his stunning ton but Australia’s lower-middle order failed to capitalize it. Finch scored 106 runs off 116 balls. He lashed 9 fours and a six on his way to registered 10th ODI ton. Australia were 4 for 209 runs at 39.2 overs but after then, they kept on losing wickets hence they ended up with 270 runs for 9 in stipulated 50 overs. Adil Rashid and Joe Root picked up 2 wickets each for England. Joe Root was adjudged as man of the match for his all-round performance.
They will face each other on 21th January on Sydney. It will be must-win encounter for Aussie whereas a win there will help England to seal the series.
