Manchester: Thanks to the brilliant half-centuries of Mitchell Marsh (73) and Glenn Maxwell (77) and the sharp bowling of Adam Jampa (four for 55) and Josh Hazlewood (three for 26), Australia beat England by 19 runs in the first ODI on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Batting first after losing the toss, Australia received jolts at regular intervals by Jofra archer (3-57)and Mark wood (3-54). The absence of Steve smith makes look the oz middle-order batting fragile. However, the record sixth-wicket partnership of 126 runs between Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell took Aussies to a fighting total. Australia ended up on 294 runs by losing 9 wickets.
Chasing the target close to 300, England was vulnerable to the hostile new-ball pace bowling, especially from Josh Hazlewood. The wickets of Jason Roy (3) and Joe Root (1) put England under pressure which reflected on the run rate. In an attempt to accelerate England lost further wickets of Eoin Morgan (23)and Jos Butler (1).
Sam billings and Johny Bairstow put up a fight vs oz bowlers and the former scored his maiden ODI ton 118 (110). When the opener Johnny Bairstow departed after scoring a gritty half-century, it was curtains for the England team. Josh Hazlewood was adjudged Player of the Match for his superb pace bowling. The second match will be played on Sunday.(WD)
