Sports Reporter :
Australia made a fighting score of 285 for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs against England in their crucial match in the ICC World Cup Cricket at the Lord’s in London on Tuesday.
Australia had a good start as openers Aaron Finch and David Warner put on together 123 runs in the opening stand before Warner was caught at the backward point by Joe Root off Moeen Ali. Warner hit a superb 53. His 61-ball innings was studded with six fours. It was Warner’s 20th ODI half-century.
After Warner’s dismissal, Finch and Usman Khawaja built another notable partnership. They contributed together 50 runs in the second wicket stand before Khawaja (23) was cleanly bowled out by Ben Stakes when the team score was 173 for the loss of two wickets.
After Khawaja’s departure, Finch could stay at the crease for a short period as he was caught at the fine leg by Chris Woakes off Jofra Archer when the Aussies’ total was 185 for the loss of three wickets.
Finch hit a captain’s knock of 100. His marvelous 116-ball innings saw 11 fours and two sixes. It was Aaron’s 15th ODI century.
Third-down Glenn Maxwell (12) was caught behind by Jos Buttler off Mark Wood when Australia’s score was 213 for the loss of four wickets.
Fourth-down Marcus Stoinis (8) was run out by a joint-effort of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler when Australia’s total was 228 for the loss of five wickets.
Then Steve Smith was caught at the long-on by Jofra Archer off Woakes when the team’s total was 250 for the loss of six wickets.
Smith made 38 from 34 balls featuring five fours.
Sixth-down Pat Cummins (1) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Buttler off Woakes when Australia were 259 for the loss of seven wickets.
Alex Carey remained unbeaten with 38. His 27-ball knock had five fours.
Chris Woakes bagged a pair of wickets each at the cost of 46 runs.
Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood took one wicket each conceding 29, 42, 56 and 59 runs respectively.
