England might still be dealing with a T20 World Cup win hangover but the relentless cricketing schedule does not allow for any rest. They faced their arch rivals in a ODI series just 3 days after being crowned champions. With both teams gathering a full-strength squad for the series with the 2023 World Cup in sights, they are playing a 3 match ODI series spread across the Australian continent.
The first match was held at Adelaide, a ground that the Englishmen will have great memories of from the T20 WC. Pat Cummins the newly appointed ODI captain, won the toss and elected to field first and his bowlers immediately responded to the call. England were rocked back by some impeccable bowling by the new ball attack: Starc and Cummins. At the end of the powerplay, England were struggling on 47/3 after 10 overs. Dawid Malan who missed the last two games owing to an injury, made his comeback in this game and how. While all the other batters struggled to make runs on this surface, Malan crafted his way through an excellent 100, scoring almost 50% of the team’s total. Skipper Jos Buttler did steady one end and build a partnership with Malan but fell prey to the spin of Adam Zampa, who once again showed his bowling prowess and the importance of a leg spinner in Australia. He also accounted for the all-important wicket of Dawid Malan and ended the match with excellent figures of 3/55. It was a day of David as Willey ensured that England reached a competitive total of 287/9, a score that certainly instilled confident in the dressing room after a poor start.
The Australian batters got off to an excellent start, racing to 63-0 after 10 overs. Travis Head especially, played a great knock of 69, striking at 121. The opening stand reached 100 before Chris Jordan bagged Travis Head. Veteran batters David Warner and Steven Smith then took over and showed the world their experience and class in this format. Warner scored 86(84) and Smith remained not out and ensured that he finished the chase, playing with great responsibility and clear mindset. He scored 80(78) balls and finished the match of with a six to register a thumping victory for his team in the first game of the series.
