Ahmedabad, Nov 4: In a familiar clash between arch rivals, put into bat, Australia were 268/8 in 47 overs against England in the 36th match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, here on Saturday.
Openers Travis Head and David Warner could not replicate their marauding act against the much controlled and improved English new ball attack.
Chris Woakes sent back Travis Head for just 11 in 10 balls, after he was caught by Joe Root in the slips. Australia got the first shock in 1.4 overs, with the score-board reflecting 11/1.
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Warner followed his opening partner after scoring 15 in 16 balls. He was caught by David Willey at mid wicket, while trying to go aerial against Woakes, who bowled with lot of confidence and purpose.
The Aussies were reduced to 38/2 in 5.4 overs. The run rate was fine, but they lost a couple of their top order batters bit too soon.
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Dependable old warhorse Steven Smith (44 in 52 balls) did not dishearten, but did not continue long either, much to Australia's concern in a must win challenge.
Smith was sent back by a fine joint effort of the English spinners duo. Trying to go aerial against leggie Adil Rashid, Smith was caught at backward point by the other senior English turner Moeen Ali.
It was once again Rashid the bowler and Ali the catcher at backward point for Josh Inglish, who departed just making 3 in 6 balls. Aussies were 117/4 in 23.1 overs, with England charged up against their familiar foes.
Australia's batting mainstay, Marnus Labuschagne once again did well to score a much needed half century and was looking determined for a big score. But English pacer Mark Wood got him LBW for 71. His 83 ball resistance ended as England players had a huge celebration.
Trying to play a sweep shot against left-arm fast David Willey, a well settled Cameron Green lost his leg stump.Green made 47 in 52 balls, with five clean hits to the fence. He was the second Aussie batter to miss a well deserved half century after Steven Smith.
Marcus Stoinis, the rescue-man of several Australian battles tried to repeat his heroics against England on Saturday. But perished after Jonny Bairstow held a great catch at mid wicket, while Stoinis (32 in 35 balls) tried to hit part time leg spinner Liam Livingstone over the fence.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins got out at mid wicket too, with Mark Wood getting his second victim and Dawid Malan grabbing his first catch of the day. Aussies were 247/8 in 44.2 overs.
