England managed to put a good show in the ICC Champions Trophy match against Australia as their strike bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad made it tough for the Shane Watson and David Warner to break the shackles in the first 10 overs. George Bailey and James Faulkner did manage to score half-centuries but that wasn’t enough for them to go over the line in the chase of 270 at Edgbaston.
Earlier, it was some brilliant batting from Ian Bell, who scored 91 runs off 115 balls, which gave England innings the much-needed momentum.
Here we bring to you the hits and flops from the match between Australia and England.
HITS
Ian Bell: Bell played a pivotal role in setting up the stiff total for Aussies in the opening game of their Champions Trophy campaign. He played till the 38th over and missed the century by just nine runs. In his innings, which lasted close to three hours, he managed to smack seven fours.
James Faulkner: Faulkner proved his all-round ability once again as he picked up couple of wickets in his quota of 10 overs. He gave away just 48 runs and later managed to smack 54 runs off 42 balls. He smoked away five fours and one six in his nice-little cameo which went in vain.
James Anderson: He was impressive with the ball as he ended up with the figures of 3/30 in his 10 overs. Anderson was brilliant with the ball as he created some serious pressure on the opening Australian duo. He gave away just 16 runs in his first spell of five overs.
George Bailey: Bailey tried to steady the Australian innings but could not find much support from his teammates. He ended up scoring 55 runs off 69 balls.
Ravi Bopara: Bopara was the jack of all trades for English side as he contributed with the bat as well as ball. He scored 46 runs off 37 balls which took England to a stiff total and later bowled five overs. Though he was expensive, but by that time fate of the match was nearly sealed in England's favour.
Shane Watson: Watson proved his worth once again and did great job with the ball. He gave away just 26 runs in the seven overs that he bowled and also contributed with the bat. He scored 24 runs.
Stuart Broad: Broad was sensational with the ball against the Aussie top-order. He gave away just 35 runs and also bowled couple of maiden overs in his quota of 10 overs. He didn’t allow the arch-rivals to free their arms as he bowled 22 dot balls in his first spell of five overs.
Clint McKay: McKay did justice to his bowling as he picked up couple of quick wickets when England was cruising ahead. He didn’t allow batsmen to score and ended with an impressive figure of 2/38 in his 10 overs.
FLOPS
David Warner: Warner gave a very slow start as he wasted his 21-ball stay at the crease. He departed after scoring just nine runs. Warner didn’t do well in the practice games either and against the Englishmen it was no different.
Mitchell Starc: Starc didn’t manage to put up a good bowling performance and paid the price quite heavily. He gave away 75 runs in his 10 overs and picked up just one wicket which was more of a gift from the batsmen.
Jos Butler: Butler failed to leave his mark as he got out at the crucial time and couldn’t do much for his team. His footwork wasn’t good and Faulkner rushed through his defence to send him back to the pavilion.
Eoin Morgan: Morgan failed to put up his act and departed after scoring just eight runs off 12 balls. He went across to play the ball but change of pace made by McKay worked out well and Morgan was bowled out.
Mitchell Marsh: Marsh had an off-day both with the bat as well as the ball. Marsh got out after scoring five off 12 balls and also gave away 13 runs in the couple of overs that he bowled. He needs to put up a strong performance with the bat as the top order is looking quite fragile.
Matthew Wade: Wade hasn’t been amongst the runs from last few matches which has hurt Australia’s chances of winning the match. He was undone by Anderson who managed to get the edge of his willow.
Amit Chopra
Indian Sports News Network
