ENG vs AUS 2018: It is a Proud Feeling to Operate at the Level Throughout the Game - Eoin Morgan

Updated - 20 Jun 2018, 01:49 PM

Eoin Morgan
Eoin Morgan says it was a near perfect day for England a Trent Bridge. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

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England skipper, Eoin Morgan seems proud of his boys, as they beat Australia by a massive margin of 242 runs at Trent Bridge to seal the five-match series 3-0 with two matches still to play.

Meanwhile, England posted the highest-ever ODI score of 481 runs after opting to bat first. A good opening show from Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy ensured they are in line for a big score. The duo added 159 runs before Alex Hales joined the party.

Hales made this ground of his own, as he brought his first century of the year to put all speculations to rest. On the other hand, Bairstow continued with his rich form. He hit his fourth ODI ton in six games to put Australia at bay.

However, Bairstow’s (139) brilliant knock came to an end in the 35th over with the host sitting steady at 334 for two. However, there was no respite for the Australian bowlers, as skipper Eoin Morgan picked right from there.

Hales (147) and Morgan (67) added 124 runs before getting out on consecutive deliveries off Jhye Richardson.

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The inexperienced Aussie attack looked out of socks, as they gave up against such powerful hitting. However, some back to back wickets at the fag end ensured the score didn’t touch the 500-run mark.

Unlike England, Australia’s start wasn’t, as fiery and fluent as they’d have liked. They lost D’Arcy Short in the fourth over, as Australia were reeling at 27 for one.

Shaun Marsh – the centurion from the previous encounter – walked out with the task of teeing straightaway. Marsh couldn’t quite do that, but Head attempted to wriggle Australia out of the mess with a 36-ball half-century.

But, after dealing with David Willey and Mark Wood at the start, his innings ended with a tame push back to Moeen Ali off his bowling, leaving the door ajar for Australia to run riot.

The visitors once again struggled against spin, as Ali (3/28) and Adil Rashid (4/47) shared seven wickets between each other. As a result, Australia rattled up within 239 runs, ensuring one of their biggest loss.

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It is a proud feeling

Meanwhile, Morgan, who played a quickfire knock of 67 off 30 balls admitted he is proud of his boys. He went on a rampage, as he smashed six sixes and three boundaries. Further, he overhauled Ian Bell to become England’s highest ever ODI run-scorer.

He partnered Hales to take the game away from the Aussies and wrap up the series. He also reiterated they are happy with the bench strength adding they need to be at the top all the time.

Certainly, it’s a proud feeling. To operate at that level throughout the whole game was outstanding. We have two more games left and two more opportunities to score big for the batsmen. It’s a good headache to have (about the selection). The talent we have in the change room is brilliant. We are going to Durham next, will try to reassess. We have a pretty settled batting unit. We need to be top of our game, 50-over game has moved forward dramatically over the last few years and we have put ourselves in a position where we have adapted brilliantly,” Morgan said after the match.

Also read: Dinesh Chandimal reprimanded by ICC for his role in ball tampering