Australia continued their dominance in the five-match ODI series ANTI Englandsecuring a comfortable 68-run win in the second match on Saturday, September 21, at Headingley, Leeds. After winning the toss, the England captain Harry Brook chose to bat first, hoping to restrict Australia to a modest total. Despite early advances, Australia posted a competitive score of 270 before going out in 45th place. England’s efforts to chase down the target failed as Australia’s bowling unit, led by fiery Mitchell Starctore up the English formation.
Mitchell Starc’s devastating spell and Harry Brook’s key wicket
England’s chase began on a cautious note, with the opener Fil Salt AND Ben Duckett providing a solid platform. However, the breakthrough came when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Salt for 12 in the fifth over. Starc’s devastating spell followed, sending Will Jacks return to the pavilion for a golden duck. In the next over, Starc produced a stunning dismissal of Brook with a perfectly executed yorker.
Starc, known for his lethal inswingers, angled most of his deliveries through the England captain before sending a full length ball that spun sharply onto Brook’s back leg. The umpire raised the finger for an LBW but Brook opted for a review. However, in the replay, Ultra Edge confirmed there was no bat and ball tracking showed it hit leg stump. The revision was unsuccessful and Brook had to return to the ward. This was a textbook creation by Starc, who changed his lines to create uncertainty before unleashing the perfect inswinger. Brook’s short innings ended with just 4 runs, 9 balls, including a boundary, as England slumped to 46/3.
Here’s the video:
Back to the 𝒔𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 of things 🤩
Mitchell Starc with an unplayable yorker to dismiss England captain Brook 👌#ENGvAUOnFanCode pic.twitter.com/WoOQZ9izJc
— FanCode (@FanCode) September 21, 2024
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England crumble under pressure as Australia secure victory
England’s middle order crumbled under Australia’s relentless bowling, with Liam Livingstone fell for a golden duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 65/5. Despite a 55-header partnership between Jamie Smith AND Jacob BethellStarc’s deadly yorkers and Hazlewood’s pinpoint accuracy dismantled the English chase, leading to a comprehensive defeat. Earlier, Australia posted a challenging total of 270, anchored by Mitchell Marsh‘s solid 60 and Alex Carey‘s explosive 74 off 67 balls. Brydon Carse stood out for England, claiming three wickets, but Australia’s middle-order resistance proved too strong for the hosts.
Looking Ahead: Third ODI at Seat Unique Riverside
With a commanding 2-0 lead, Australia are firmly in the driver’s seat in this series. England will now have to regroup and strategize ahead of the third ODI, which is scheduled to take place on September 24 at Seat Unique Riverside. The hosts will be looking for a strong comeback to keep the series alive, while Australia will aim to clinch the series victory with another dominant performance.
