Australia beat England in the first ODI by 19 runs; go 1-0 up in the series

Cricket Australia

Australia have a taken 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series after beating England by 19 runs in the first ODI on Saturday. Having endured a lean run with the bat in the T20 series, Glenn Maxwell has made a fine start in the ODI series.

Coming into bat in a precarious situation, Maxwell compiled a heart-warming 59-ball 77 run knock. Mitchell Marsh too played a fine 73-run knock off 100 balls. The duo powered Australia to a formidable 294-run total in 50 overs. Earlier, Australia endured a poor start. having lost both their openers inside first 10 overs. For England, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood both took 3 wickets apiece.

josh hazlewood photo

A disciplined bowling show from Australians in the second innings didn’t let England got off to a great start to the chase. A fine opening spell from the seamers meant England lost both Jason Roy and Joe Root in 8 overs. Adam Zampa chipped in with two more wickets as England were left reeling at 57 for 4 in 16.1 overs.

However, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Billings steadied the ship. The duo compiled 107-run partnership for the fifth wickets. However, the once Jonny Bairstow departed in the 36th over, Australia lost wickets in regular intervals and in the end fell short of 19 runs.

England cricketer, Sam Billings played one sensational knock on Saturday. Sam Billings played till the last ball of the second innings and kept England’s hopes alive in the game. Billing scored 118 runs off 110 balls, including 14 fours and 2 sixes.

Josh Hazlewood was awarded the Man of the Match for his superb spell of 3 for 26 in 10 overs.