Tim Paine says the target in the second ODI was chaseable. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
England continued their dominant run against Australia after registering a 38-run victory in the 2nd ODI at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
The victory was largely possible due to brilliant knocks from the blade of Jason Roy and Jos Buttler which helped England set a massive total of 342 on the board. Australia gave a terrific fight courtesy a brilliant century from Shaun Marsh. However, the target proved to be way too much in the end.
Batting first, England got off to a great start, courtesy openers Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. The duo played some exceptional shots and shared a 63-run partnership in rapid time. Despite Bairstow’s dismissal, Roy continued the excellent work and played some beautiful shots.
Wickets fell on the other hand, but Roy was a constant. England lost Joe Root at the score of 179 when Buttler joined Roy in the middle.
The wicket-keeper batsman smashed some delightful shots en route to his knock of 91 off 70 deliveries. It included eight fours and a couple of sixes. It was simply superb batting by Buttler who eventually propelled England to a total close to 350 runs.
The score of 342 was always going to be difficult for Australia. However, in the modern generation, you cannot predict what a winning score is.
Australia needed to get off to a great start. However, it wasn’t to be, as they lost the wicket Travis Head in the 4th over. However, Marsh changed the complexion of the game with some exceptional shots.
He started off with some exquisite drives and never looked back from there. Wickets kept tumbling at the other end until Ashton Agar joined him.
The duo shared a 96-run stand which got Australia back into the game big time. Marsh was looking in great touch, and he got able support from Agar. However, the wicket of Agar opened the floodgates for England. They cashed in on the opportunity and seized control of the match. After the fall of Marsh’s wicket, it was a foregone conclusion. England eventually won quite comprehensively.
Here is what the losing skipper Tim Paine said at the post-match presentation,
“I don’t think there were too many runs to chase. We would’ve preferred less than 340. The way Marsh played showed that it could’ve been chased. It’s great that Agar came in and brought us back into the game. If Marsh keeps playing like that he can continue in the ODI side. He has recently made a comeback to the Test side as well.”
“We needed a few more wickets in hand when Shaun got going, but it’s hard when you have to play with the tail. Shaun did really well, and Agar gave us a chance with that partnership. We just didn’t put the complete package together, and we have a side that is good enough. First game, we didn’t bat well, and today we didn’t bowl well. If you give England a chance, they will pounce. There’s a reason they’re the best ODI side in the world.”
