England might be languishing at the bottom of the pile in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 but their on-field show against Australia on Saturday was quite an improvement over how the campaign has unfolded for the defending champions.
After a morale-sapping thrashing from India, the Jos Buttler-led side seemed determined to leave behind the bitter memories of their five defeats so far in the competition. Maybe, their history with old rivals Australia was the spark they needed in Ahmedabad, the venue where they were handed a defeat in the tournament opener by New Zealand.
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On Saturday, England captain Buttler won the toss and opted to field in the scorching heat of Ahmedabad. And then Chris Woakes gave them a first breakthrough in what was the second over of the match, sending back an in-form Travis Head who had blasted a blazing century against New Zealand in Dharamsala.
Woakes then got rid of David Warner as England got rid of both the in-form batters inside six overs.
Decent Total
It wasn’t the greatest of starts for Australia but the five-time champions continued to progress along despite copping blows regularly.
Steve Smith got the start and seemed to have settled well but took the bait from Adil Rashid to be caught in the covers on 44.
Rashid then got rid of Josh Inglis quickly in his next over leaving Australia in a spot of bother.
However, Marnus Labuschagne was solid from one end and with Cameron Green, stitched a 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket to lead a fine recovery.
Mark Wood put an end to Labuschagne’s innings on 71 before Green took control.
David Willey, who has announced hell retire from international cricket, recently, returned to get rid of Green on 47.
Marcus Stoinis was aggressive from the start, belting three fours and a couple of sixes but exited on 35 as Australia continued losing wickets.
Thanks to a fine cameo from Adam Zampa – 29 off 19 – Australia managed to finish with 286-all out in 49.3 overs.
England’s Pride
England are all but out of the competition but seem determined to end the campaign, whenever if ends officially, on a high and beating Australia will certainly ease their pain.
Despite their poor show against India, England’s persistence with the same playing XI did raise some eyebrows. However, the England players did repay the faith with a solid show.
England were disciplined with the ball and quick on the field.
If you want to watch one of the best catches of the tournament, play Jonny Bairstow’s catch at deep wicket, that sent Stoinis packing, on a loop and it’s perhaps the only notable thing England opener has done so far in the ongoing tourney.
“Quite disappointed how our players have performed in this World Cup but given it’s Australia, we have a different rivalry with them and against the Aussies we will always support England. We need to win this to walk with our heads high,” said an England fan wearing a Ben Stokes jersey, hoping Stokes’ ODI retirement will at least help in vanquishing their old foes.
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