Published: Jan 31, 2014, 03:42 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 31, 2014, 06:56 PM (IST)
Jan 31, 2014
Batting first in the second Twenty20 International (T20I), England batsmen managed a paltry 130 for the loss of nine wickets in their quota of 20 overs. Australia’s young paceman, Josh Hazlewood bagged four crucial wickets, as Mitchell Starc also picked a couple, marking a successful return to international cricket.
After losing the first T20I against the hosts, England captain, Stuart Broad won the toss and elected to bat first in the second T20I.
Australia surprised many by opening their bowling with Brad Hodge. The veteran batsman conceded 10 in his first over, and didn’t bowl for the second time in the match. But after the first over, the English batsmen found life very difficult against Australia’s regular bowlers.
The opening pair of Alex Hales and Michael Lumb added 24 for the first wicket before Josh Hazlewood got the better of Lumb, and Hales soon after. Mitchell Starc, making a comeback after a long time, bagged the crucial wicket of Luke Wright before the latter could disturb the scorers.
England kept losing wickets almost every alternate over, and couldn’t build a platform for their lower middle order to launch from. England’s in-form man, Eoin Morgan lost his wicket cheaply for just six runs, as he was run out by Hodge.
Jos Buttler seemed like gearing up for a nice little cameo before he too departed for just 22 off 28 balls.
Broad and Tim Bresnan provided some much needed resistance [a partnership of 34] in the end to push the total to something respectable, and give themselves something to bowl at.
Almost all the Australian bowlers stuck to the plan and didn’t let any of the England batsmen cause any significant damage.
Brief scores:
England 130 for 9 in 20 overs (Michael Lumb 18, Jos Buttler 22, Stuart Broad 18; Josh Hazlewood 4 for 30, James Murihead 1 for 17) vs Australia.
