I’m awake to watch the last 2 overs, (1) England did a wonderful job of getting to 300+ after being 0/2 and (2) I was expecting the Aussies to be bowled out.
Great game. Better than expected score set by England after their start. Australia looked dead and buried at 5 down for 73 but astounding partnership by Maxwell and Carey deserved to win with record run chase at Old Trafford. Congratulations to Australia. Shame that the series is over, I could enjoy more of this, other than the result!
No I went to bed around 2am, got up at 6 to watch the last couple of overs. I was expecting it to be over, thought we’d let you guys off the hook again.
Got a meeting at 10 in the city I’ll crash early tonight though.
Well - Well played the Aussies and England for setting a decent target to go after.
One of those series where, as the phrase goes, ‘expect the unexpected’. Lots of talking points and the usual ‘ifs, buts or maybes’ from last night but the result is in the book, with a mammoth partnership from 2 players who have struggled for form. Crucially, the wicket stayed true too.
I’m sure towards the end I even saw a smile from Justin Langer.
Plus, as should be the nature of the game, all the matches I’ve watched this year appear to have been played in a tremendous spirit - I’d love to hear the stump mic sometimes though!
While one can bemoan all the shorter form competitions nowadays, one benefit is the international players mingle which, one hopes, makes them focus on playing the game rather than sledging each other.
Good to have matches in which the bowlers have starred. Two high quality attacks and suitable pitches meant 250-300 was a decent score again. Zampa managed to live up to his haircut, Archer mostly looked a lot more lively than in Tests.
Champagne moment from yesterday had to be Root’s ‘ripper’ to Warner. Batsman, bowler and captain all looked a bit shocked!
I was surprised that Maxwell had played something like 110 ODIs and that was his first century. I thought he and Carey played really well, often settling for one boundary an over and nudging the rest rather than ‘bash or block’
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see our innings as sleep got the better of me. I was impressed how well England recovered from 0/2, flicking between the cricket and the TdF I thought the game was slipping away. Was pleasantly surprised when I woke to see the game was still going and we were in with a chance. Got to see the last 2 overs.
Think both teams played well, we’re just starting our season and you guys obviously at the end of yours.
Am sooo looking forward to the Ashes tour next and if anyone can make to the Sydney test I’ll shout you a beer.