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Australia beat England by three-wickets in Tri-Series – as it happened Australia beat England by three-wickets in Tri-Series – as it happened
(30 days later)
11.35am GMT11.35am GMT
11:3511:35
Strange one, that.Strange one, that.
England batted very well for most of it – Bell superb, Root good, Moeen smart – and then fell apart in the last 10 overs, in which they were 59 for six, and hit only one boundary in the last six. The bowling, too, was pretty good without being spectacular. Steven Finn hurried and Moeen contained.England batted very well for most of it – Bell superb, Root good, Moeen smart – and then fell apart in the last 10 overs, in which they were 59 for six, and hit only one boundary in the last six. The bowling, too, was pretty good without being spectacular. Steven Finn hurried and Moeen contained.
But Steve Smith, as in 2014, was could not be dislodged. Boo. To be honest, the small margin of victory flattered England.But Steve Smith, as in 2014, was could not be dislodged. Boo. To be honest, the small margin of victory flattered England.
India can trump England and leave them with the wooden spoon if they win their remaining two games. They’re up against Australia next, who may choose to rest more of their big guns. It probably won’t matter - they look unstoppable.India can trump England and leave them with the wooden spoon if they win their remaining two games. They’re up against Australia next, who may choose to rest more of their big guns. It probably won’t matter - they look unstoppable.
That’s it from me - enjoy your respective Fridays!That’s it from me - enjoy your respective Fridays!
11.16am GMT11.16am GMT
11:1611:16
AUSTRALIA WIN BY THREE WICKETS!AUSTRALIA WIN BY THREE WICKETS!
Ah well.Ah well.
Starc hits the ball into the ground in front of cover, which bounces above the off side-heavy ring-field for that precious single, with a ball to spare.Starc hits the ball into the ground in front of cover, which bounces above the off side-heavy ring-field for that precious single, with a ball to spare.
Australia are guaranteed a spot in this Tri Series final.Australia are guaranteed a spot in this Tri Series final.
6 - S. Smith is the 6th Aussie captain to hit a ton in a successful ODI run chase - Ponting x6, G Chappell, S Waugh, Gilchrist, Clarke. Led.6 - S. Smith is the 6th Aussie captain to hit a ton in a successful ODI run chase - Ponting x6, G Chappell, S Waugh, Gilchrist, Clarke. Led.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.17am GMTat 11.17am GMT
11.12am GMT11.12am GMT
11:1211:12
Single - Mitchell Starc on strike with 1 needed from 2...Single - Mitchell Starc on strike with 1 needed from 2...
Buttler’s going to stand up to the stumps.Buttler’s going to stand up to the stumps.
11.11am GMT11.11am GMT
11:1111:11
WICKET! Henriques RO Morgan 4 (Australia 302-7)WICKET! Henriques RO Morgan 4 (Australia 302-7)
Fine death bowling from Woakes sees Henriques try to steal a single that isn’t there and is run out at the nonstriker’s end. Still, Smith’s on strike...Fine death bowling from Woakes sees Henriques try to steal a single that isn’t there and is run out at the nonstriker’s end. Still, Smith’s on strike...
11.08am GMT11.08am GMT
11:0811:08
49th over: Australia 302-6 (Smith 101, Henriques 4)49th over: Australia 302-6 (Smith 101, Henriques 4)
Good stuff from Anderson, but too little too late. Still, we’re into the last over, with two needed...Good stuff from Anderson, but too little too late. Still, we’re into the last over, with two needed...
11.05am GMT11.05am GMT
11:0511:05
48th over: Australia 299-6 (Smith 101, Henriques 1)48th over: Australia 299-6 (Smith 101, Henriques 1)
Smith gets to his ton and Haddin (42 off 29) makes way. Both have played fine hands in this Australia win. Smith’s manipulation of the field has been superb - a bit of a throwback to the one day cricket of old. Moises Henriques is in for a bit of glory.Smith gets to his ton and Haddin (42 off 29) makes way. Both have played fine hands in this Australia win. Smith’s manipulation of the field has been superb - a bit of a throwback to the one day cricket of old. Moises Henriques is in for a bit of glory.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.06am GMTat 11.06am GMT
11.02am GMT11.02am GMT
11:0211:02
WICKET! Haddin c Bell b Woakes 42 (Australia 297-6)WICKET! Haddin c Bell b Woakes 42 (Australia 297-6)
Slower ball, out the back of the hand, is up and under-ed to Bell, who takes a high yet simple catch at point.Slower ball, out the back of the hand, is up and under-ed to Bell, who takes a high yet simple catch at point.
11.01am GMT11.01am GMT
11:0111:01
CENTURY! Steven Smith 100* off 93 balls (6 x 4s; 1 x 6)CENTURY! Steven Smith 100* off 93 balls (6 x 4s; 1 x 6)
Cracking knock, seeing his side home from 92-2. He’s in some pretty incredible form.Cracking knock, seeing his side home from 92-2. He’s in some pretty incredible form.
Steve Smith first player in cricket history to score a century on his Test and ODI captaincy debut. absolute starSteve Smith first player in cricket history to score a century on his Test and ODI captaincy debut. absolute star
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.20am GMTat 11.20am GMT
10.58am GMT10.58am GMT
10:5810:58
47th over: Australia 295-5 (Smith 99, Haddin 42)47th over: Australia 295-5 (Smith 99, Haddin 42)
Haddin mistimes a lofted drive, but gets away with it, as Finn, running back, is unable to catch up with the flight of the ball. It plugs for two. Anderson takes pace off the ball and Haddin waits before forcing it through midwicket for a single. And then Smith hits a HUGE SIX - clearing his front leg and sending Anderson over mid-on!Haddin mistimes a lofted drive, but gets away with it, as Finn, running back, is unable to catch up with the flight of the ball. It plugs for two. Anderson takes pace off the ball and Haddin waits before forcing it through midwicket for a single. And then Smith hits a HUGE SIX - clearing his front leg and sending Anderson over mid-on!
Australia need 9 from 18.Australia need 9 from 18.
10.54am GMT10.54am GMT
10:5410:54
46th over: Australia 283-5 (Smith 90. Haddin 39)46th over: Australia 283-5 (Smith 90. Haddin 39)
Broad strays onto Haddin’s pads and it’s whipped over the fielder at square leg, for four! He makes some room and hits a nice shot through the covers, as Joe Root makes another fine stop, to keep it to three.Broad strays onto Haddin’s pads and it’s whipped over the fielder at square leg, for four! He makes some room and hits a nice shot through the covers, as Joe Root makes another fine stop, to keep it to three.
Great end to the Cricket in Aus https://t.co/x9CSLc1pcFGreat end to the Cricket in Aus https://t.co/x9CSLc1pcF
In case you missed it...In case you missed it...
10.48am GMT10.48am GMT
10:4810:48
45th over: Australia 272-5 (Smith 88, Haddin 30)45th over: Australia 272-5 (Smith 88, Haddin 30)
First sign of proper aggression from Smith as he slaps the ball to the boundary rider on the off side. He gets a single and brings Haddin on strike, who hits right through the line of the next ball and sends it straight, for six! He goes down the ground again, this time wider, for four! Finn bowls one in his half and wraps the fingers of Haddin, who scampers to the safety of the nonstriker’s end.First sign of proper aggression from Smith as he slaps the ball to the boundary rider on the off side. He gets a single and brings Haddin on strike, who hits right through the line of the next ball and sends it straight, for six! He goes down the ground again, this time wider, for four! Finn bowls one in his half and wraps the fingers of Haddin, who scampers to the safety of the nonstriker’s end.
Australia require 32 from 30.Australia require 32 from 30.
10.44am GMT10.44am GMT
10:4410:44
44th over: Australia 259-5 (Smith 87, Haddin 18)44th over: Australia 259-5 (Smith 87, Haddin 18)
Much better from Haddin: he still backs away, but he guides the ball past third man, who’s up in the circle, for four. He’s backing away again but Broad follows him and puts one on his toes. More finesses, this squarer, as Broad over-pitches (full toss, actually) as a fat bloke falls over the advertising hoardings and Channel Nine cackle.Much better from Haddin: he still backs away, but he guides the ball past third man, who’s up in the circle, for four. He’s backing away again but Broad follows him and puts one on his toes. More finesses, this squarer, as Broad over-pitches (full toss, actually) as a fat bloke falls over the advertising hoardings and Channel Nine cackle.
Million dollar question, Chris.Million dollar question, Chris.
@Vitu_E Smith makes this inevitable; looks like ENG's biggest WC issue will be the bowling.. how will they restrict any quality side to 300?@Vitu_E Smith makes this inevitable; looks like ENG's biggest WC issue will be the bowling.. how will they restrict any quality side to 300?
10.39am GMT10.39am GMT
10:3910:39
43rd over: Australia 250-5 (Smith 87, Haddin 9)43rd over: Australia 250-5 (Smith 87, Haddin 9)
Another toe from Haddin, this time over midwicket - Root runs around and drags the ball away from the boundary as the batsmen settle for three. Smith has a rare play and a miss before he throws himself at the next ball - short and wide - which is stopped brilliantly by Bell at backward point. Another good ball and Smith has to make do with his one run from that over.Another toe from Haddin, this time over midwicket - Root runs around and drags the ball away from the boundary as the batsmen settle for three. Smith has a rare play and a miss before he throws himself at the next ball - short and wide - which is stopped brilliantly by Bell at backward point. Another good ball and Smith has to make do with his one run from that over.
10.35am GMT10.35am GMT
10:3510:35
42nd over: Australia 246-5 (Smith 86, Haddin 6)42nd over: Australia 246-5 (Smith 86, Haddin 6)
Short and wide from Broad and Smith reaches for it and manages to get enough to squirt it off the toe through third man for four. Another two to the Aussie skipper as he shuffles across the umpteenth time and plays behind square leg. Haddin tries to smite Broad down the ground, but the newly bald seamer gets down very well to stop any runs.Short and wide from Broad and Smith reaches for it and manages to get enough to squirt it off the toe through third man for four. Another two to the Aussie skipper as he shuffles across the umpteenth time and plays behind square leg. Haddin tries to smite Broad down the ground, but the newly bald seamer gets down very well to stop any runs.
10.30am GMT10.30am GMT
10:3010:30
41st over: Australia 239-5 (Smith 79, Haddin 6)41st over: Australia 239-5 (Smith 79, Haddin 6)
Steven Finn into the attack and Haddin, once he gets the strike, toes high and over mid-off and some slack running sees him almost run out as he comes back for the third. England put a man back on the straight fence as Haddin comes back on strike for the fifth ball. Smith finishes with a fine dab around the corner which is saved well by Broad. They run three.Steven Finn into the attack and Haddin, once he gets the strike, toes high and over mid-off and some slack running sees him almost run out as he comes back for the third. England put a man back on the straight fence as Haddin comes back on strike for the fifth ball. Smith finishes with a fine dab around the corner which is saved well by Broad. They run three.
Steve Smith is like some video game character that just keeps levelling up and up. #AUSvENGSteve Smith is like some video game character that just keeps levelling up and up. #AUSvENG
10.25am GMT10.25am GMT
10:2510:25
40th over: Australia 230-5 (Smith 74, Haddin 2)40th over: Australia 230-5 (Smith 74, Haddin 2)
Smith finds his cover fielder again before Haddin plays his trademark “step away and edge to third man” for another. The run rate has climbed to 7.40, which shouldn’t really be a problem.Smith finds his cover fielder again before Haddin plays his trademark “step away and edge to third man” for another. The run rate has climbed to 7.40, which shouldn’t really be a problem.
10.21am GMT10.21am GMT
10:2110:21
39th over: Australia 227-5 (Smith 72, Haddin 1)39th over: Australia 227-5 (Smith 72, Haddin 1)
Sumptuous from Smith. as he punches off the back foot through cover-point for four. Two calls of “no, not now” sandwich a push through the covers for two. He’s annoyingly good.Sumptuous from Smith. as he punches off the back foot through cover-point for four. Two calls of “no, not now” sandwich a push through the covers for two. He’s annoyingly good.
10.16am GMT10.16am GMT
10:1610:16
38th over: Australia 220-5 (Smith 65, Haddin 1)38th over: Australia 220-5 (Smith 65, Haddin 1)
Brad Haddin comes to the crease after Faulkner’s demise and he’s able to run one away to third man to get off the mark. Woakes ends a good over poorly but is only punished for three thanks to some brilliant work from Jimmy Anderson. Running around from square leg, Jimmy dives and uses the boundary sponge as a guide to push the ball back into play.Brad Haddin comes to the crease after Faulkner’s demise and he’s able to run one away to third man to get off the mark. Woakes ends a good over poorly but is only punished for three thanks to some brilliant work from Jimmy Anderson. Running around from square leg, Jimmy dives and uses the boundary sponge as a guide to push the ball back into play.
10.11am GMT10.11am GMT
10:1110:11
WICKET! Faulkner c Bell b Woakes 35 (Australia 216-5)WICKET! Faulkner c Bell b Woakes 35 (Australia 216-5)
Big moment as Woakes gets the ball to straighten, as Faulkner looks to play inside-out through cover. Bell, diving forward, takes a smart catch.Big moment as Woakes gets the ball to straighten, as Faulkner looks to play inside-out through cover. Bell, diving forward, takes a smart catch.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.13am GMTat 10.13am GMT
10.09am GMT10.09am GMT
10:0910:09
37th over: Australia 216-4 (Smith 62, Faulkner 35)37th over: Australia 216-4 (Smith 62, Faulkner 35)
The fifty partnership comes up in 59 deliveries and this over is a microcosm of it. A good forward defence, some singles slightly out of reach of the fielders and then a flick to the boundary for four, as Anderson pushes one into Smith’s pad.The fifty partnership comes up in 59 deliveries and this over is a microcosm of it. A good forward defence, some singles slightly out of reach of the fielders and then a flick to the boundary for four, as Anderson pushes one into Smith’s pad.
10.05am GMT10.05am GMT
10:0510:05
36th over: Australia 209-4 (Smith 57, Faulkner 33)36th over: Australia 209-4 (Smith 57, Faulkner 33)
Woakes sharing PP duties with Anderson, starts well before drifting onto Faulkner’s pads, who gets the slight contact needed to get it past Buttler’s despairing dive for four.Woakes sharing PP duties with Anderson, starts well before drifting onto Faulkner’s pads, who gets the slight contact needed to get it past Buttler’s despairing dive for four.
10.00am GMT10.00am GMT
10:0010:00
35th over: Australia 201-4 (Smith 55, Faulkner 27)35th over: Australia 201-4 (Smith 55, Faulkner 27)
Anderson’s getting the ball into Faulkner and Smith, but they’re able to find gaps at will. Morgan should probably be employing a slip or another catcher just to give these two something to think about. Too easy at the minute.Anderson’s getting the ball into Faulkner and Smith, but they’re able to find gaps at will. Morgan should probably be employing a slip or another catcher just to give these two something to think about. Too easy at the minute.
15 overs to go - 103 runs to get.15 overs to go - 103 runs to get.
9.55am GMT9.55am GMT
09:5509:55
34th over: Australia 197-4 (Smith 54, Faulkner 24)34th over: Australia 197-4 (Smith 54, Faulkner 24)
Pretty simple for Australia, with a run down to third man after a dab to backward point, before Faulkner gives himself room and tries to cart Finn through the off side, to no avail. Sticks to the tried and tested dab and gets another.Pretty simple for Australia, with a run down to third man after a dab to backward point, before Faulkner gives himself room and tries to cart Finn through the off side, to no avail. Sticks to the tried and tested dab and gets another.
They’ve now decided to take the Power Play. Jimmy Anderson into the attack...They’ve now decided to take the Power Play. Jimmy Anderson into the attack...
9.50am GMT9.50am GMT
09:5009:50
33rd over: Australia 191-4 (Smith 50, Faulkner 22)33rd over: Australia 191-4 (Smith 50, Faulkner 22)
Smith brings up a fine 50 from 51 balls. Only 12 of those runs have come in boundaries and he’s looked totally unflustered. Ali’s 10 overs come to an end with figures of two for 50.Smith brings up a fine 50 from 51 balls. Only 12 of those runs have come in boundaries and he’s looked totally unflustered. Ali’s 10 overs come to an end with figures of two for 50.
9.47am GMT9.47am GMT
09:4709:47
32nd over: Australia 186-4 (Smith 46, Faulkner 21)32nd over: Australia 186-4 (Smith 46, Faulkner 21)
Finn reintroduced and immediately has one kicking off the pitch and into the top of Faulkner’s bat. The allrounder has a bit more conviction for a full ball which he pushes down the ground for three. A thick inside-edge has Smith looking over his shoulder, as Finn brings his hands to his head. Crunching drive for four from Jimmy finishes the over...Finn reintroduced and immediately has one kicking off the pitch and into the top of Faulkner’s bat. The allrounder has a bit more conviction for a full ball which he pushes down the ground for three. A thick inside-edge has Smith looking over his shoulder, as Finn brings his hands to his head. Crunching drive for four from Jimmy finishes the over...
I know Faulkner is going to win this for Australia, but I just can't look away. Horrible.I know Faulkner is going to win this for Australia, but I just can't look away. Horrible.
9.42am GMT9.42am GMT
09:4209:42
31st over: Australia 176-4 (Smith 44, Faulkner 13)31st over: Australia 176-4 (Smith 44, Faulkner 13)
Moeen drops his length and Faulkner is jumping back and flat-batting that through the leg side for four. Mo finishes well though, with a few deliveries that hold in the pitch.Moeen drops his length and Faulkner is jumping back and flat-batting that through the leg side for four. Mo finishes well though, with a few deliveries that hold in the pitch.
9.39am GMT9.39am GMT
09:3909:39
30th over: Australia 171-4 (Smith 44, Faulkner 8)30th over: Australia 171-4 (Smith 44, Faulkner 8)
An in-swinging yorker from Broad is dabbed away, expertly, by Smith, who has done a fair bit of shuffling across in his innings to work some leg-side scoring options. Big chance on the fifth ball when a miscommunication sees Faulkner sent back to his crease. Taylor, who picks up well, has a go at the stumps but just misses with Faulkner out of shot.An in-swinging yorker from Broad is dabbed away, expertly, by Smith, who has done a fair bit of shuffling across in his innings to work some leg-side scoring options. Big chance on the fifth ball when a miscommunication sees Faulkner sent back to his crease. Taylor, who picks up well, has a go at the stumps but just misses with Faulkner out of shot.
Another fantastic sky as the sun sets in Hobart. Game on. pic.twitter.com/QucL7tQUu1Another fantastic sky as the sun sets in Hobart. Game on. pic.twitter.com/QucL7tQUu1
9.35am GMT9.35am GMT
09:3509:35
29th over: Australia 169-4 (Smith 43, Faulkner 7)29th over: Australia 169-4 (Smith 43, Faulkner 7)
Better from Mo, who is ripping the ball a bit more and giving the right-handers no width or pace on the ball. Just the two from that over.Better from Mo, who is ripping the ball a bit more and giving the right-handers no width or pace on the ball. Just the two from that over.
Australia require 135 from the remaining 21 oversAustralia require 135 from the remaining 21 overs
9.33am GMT9.33am GMT
09:3309:33
28th over: Australia 167-4 (Smith 42, Faulkner 6)28th over: Australia 167-4 (Smith 42, Faulkner 6)
Good build-up of pressure from Broad is relieved smartly by Faulkner, who times a full ball through cover for four.Good build-up of pressure from Broad is relieved smartly by Faulkner, who times a full ball through cover for four.
9.31am GMT9.31am GMT
09:3109:31
27th over: Australia 162-4 (Smith 42, Faulkner 1)27th over: Australia 162-4 (Smith 42, Faulkner 1)
There are fewer certainties in life than Glenn Maxwell going comfortably and throwing it away. Channel Nine riff on the fine line between pleasure and pain. Someone said something similar about genius and insanity.There are fewer certainties in life than Glenn Maxwell going comfortably and throwing it away. Channel Nine riff on the fine line between pleasure and pain. Someone said something similar about genius and insanity.
9.27am GMT9.27am GMT
09:2709:27
WICKET! Maxwell c Root b Ali 37WICKET! Maxwell c Root b Ali 37
Form is temporary - Glenn Maxwell is permanent.Form is temporary - Glenn Maxwell is permanent.
9.24am GMT9.24am GMT
09:2409:24
26th over: Australia 158-3 (Smith 39, Maxwell 37)26th over: Australia 158-3 (Smith 39, Maxwell 37)
No reverse anymore, meaning Woakes has to dig a bit deeper to get something out of the pitch. A handful of singles to full balls is followed by a shorter one which is worked through square leg for four.No reverse anymore, meaning Woakes has to dig a bit deeper to get something out of the pitch. A handful of singles to full balls is followed by a shorter one which is worked through square leg for four.
9.20am GMT9.20am GMT
09:2009:20
25th over: Australia 149-3 (Smith 36, Maxwell 31)25th over: Australia 149-3 (Smith 36, Maxwell 31)
Moeen replaces Finn, who finishes a fine first spell with two for 23 off five. Half-chance for a run out, but Morgan’s throw from mid wicket required Buttler to take the ball high and wide of the stumps, meaning there was no chance he’d have been able to take the bails off had Maxwell been struggling.Moeen replaces Finn, who finishes a fine first spell with two for 23 off five. Half-chance for a run out, but Morgan’s throw from mid wicket required Buttler to take the ball high and wide of the stumps, meaning there was no chance he’d have been able to take the bails off had Maxwell been struggling.
9.17am GMT
09:17
24th over: Australia 144-3 (Smith 33, Maxwell 29)
Woakes is brought back into the attack - he’s 0-24 off his first three overs - and Maxwell immediately pierces the ring for a single. Smith does the same, twice, as these two continue to make hay.
9.12am GMT
09:12
23rd over: Australia 140-3 (Smith 31, Maxwell 27)
Good from Finn, that, pushing Maxwell back with some good length balls on off stump. Full on off-stump for the last ball which is driven and stop smartly by Eoin Morgan at cover, as they scamper for a single. Tidy.
9.09am GMT
09:09
22nd over: Australia 139-3 (Smith 31, Maxwell 26)
Ravi Bopara into the attack for some nibbly stuff, the first ball of which is guided quite nicely for four. At first, it looked like an edge, but it was a very deliberate late opening of the face. A quick exchange of the strike with Smith brings Maxi back on strike, as he tickles Bops around the corner for another four.
A good morning to Ravi Nair:
“Here’s my prediction for when England, inevitably, lose this one: BTL on the match report you will get at least one person saying ‘It woz Bell wot dun it; a selfish century that took too long and just when he should have been moving things along he got out, leaving the other batsmen with no time to settle before having to blast. Another century in a wasted cause.’“Just you wait, Enry Iggins, it is going to happen.”
9.05am GMT
09:05
21st over: Australia 128-3 (Smith 30, Maxwell 16)
Smith has got his octopus arms working well, with some more easy runs into the leg-side. Maxwell does the same, leading to a mid-over chat between Morgan and Finn, who looks to have lost a bit of intensity. As have England, to be fair.
9.00am GMT
09:00
20th over: Australia 120-3 (Smith 24, Maxwell 14)
Ali’s straying a bit, which is a shame as England were doing well to choke Australia. Single a ball up until the fifth. which is hammered through point by Smith. The over finishes with a well-tucked single to the mid-wicket boundary.
8.56am GMT
08:56
19th over: Australia 111-3 (Smith 17, Maxwell 12)
Maxwell throws his hands at a wide ball from Finn and gets four through cover. Good shot, well played. Finn responds with a straighter ball, which Maxwell mistimes for another couple. The umpires have had a look at the ball - not for the first time this innings - but they’re happy with it.
8.53am GMT
08:53
18th over: Australia 105-3 (Smith 17, Maxwell 6)
Good riposte from Smith, who keeps things sensible with some singles before hanging back on a short ball from Ali and cutting nicely through point.
On e-mails, Kevin Wilson’s giddy and a tad wary:
“Not only is this possibly England’s best one day bowling attack (sorry Tredwell), it’s their best Test bowling attack even more so. It’s fantastic that Finn looks like he’s coming back but how will England manage them all with their punishing schedule ahead?”
8.49am GMT
08:49
17th over: Australia 95-3 (Smith 11, Maxwell 3)
A mis-timed drive from Marsh gives Finn a wicket and brings Cameron White to the crease. He’s immediately beaten on the outside edge, before Finn nails a glorious in-swinging yorker to see him off. Glenn Maxwell’s the new man in and he chips over mid-wicket to get off the mark. He doesn’t get high enough later, as Anderson dives but can’t hold on to a difficult chance.
8.47am GMT
08:47
WICKET! White lbw Finn 0
Epic yorker from Steven Finn - quick, swinging in, with White’s feet moving little and his head moving a lot. Brilliant.
Updated
at 10.53am GMT
8.43am GMT
08:43
WICKET! Marsh 45 c Bell b Finn (Australia 92-2)
The pressure’s built up and Marsh succumbs, driving loosely at a ball that wasn’t that full. Squirts in the air to Ding Dong at point.
Updated
at 8.43am GMT
8.41am GMT
08:41
16th over: Australia 92-1 (Marsh 45, Smith 11)
Excellent from Moeen, as he throws in a couple of arm balls to have Smith thinking twice about working the ball into the leg-side. Around the wicket, he finds the outside half of Marsh’s bat. Two off the over - not bad.
8.38am GMT
08:38
15th over: Australia 90-1 (Marsh 44, Smith 10)
England need wickets and thus turn to Steven Finn. Second ball, Smith times a fine on-drive for four. A few balls are tailing into the right-hander, and Smith works one to mid-wicket for a single.
Updated
at 8.39am GMT
8.35am GMT
08:35
14th over: Australia 85-1 (Marsh 44, Smith 5)
Some slight variations in length from Moeen keeps Marsh and Smith guessing. But still, singles are taken and Australia move along. Good dip in scoring rate for England, mind.
8.31am GMT
08:31
13th over: Australia 79-1 (Marsh 42, Smith 2)
He’s only faced a couple of balls, but Smith already looks in good touch. Morgan puts in a man at gully, to compliment backward point. Queensland have been reintroduced to the modern world, as Broad finishes as decent over.
8.27am GMT
08:27
12th over: Australia 76-1 (Marsh 41, Smith 1)
A change, now, as Moeen Ali comes into the attack. The first ball drifts in to Finch, who plays is late and straight, for one. He’s around the wicket to Marsh, who fends into the leg side, eliciting a “Get it, Mo!” from Buttler. A louder, more desperate cry from Buttler sees Moeen diving through Finch, to his left, but he can do little to stop the single. But success for Ali, as he draws a false shot from Finch, who can’t adapt to the drift, swiping and missing a ball that goes on to hit his leg stump.
Updated
at 8.28am GMT
8.25am GMT
08:25
WICKET! Finch b Ali 32 (Australia 76-1)
Great work from Moeen Ali, who gets good drift in his first over. This delivery comes into Finch late, as the Aussie biffer throws his hands at the ball and misses completely. Hits leg stump. Much needed, that.
Updated
at 8.28am GMT
8.21am GMT
08:21
11th over: Australia 74-0 (Finch 31, Marsh 40)
Finch latches onto a wide-ish ball from Broad, as Root does some boundary riding to limit it to two. Bit of movement back into Finch is worked away to square leg for another couple. Broad then squares up Marsh, who looks to work the ball to mid-wicket but the ball goes through second slip. Broad appeals for, erm, something.
8.17am GMT
08:17
10th over: Australia 67-0 (Finch 25, Marsh 39)
Smart over from Anderson, even if he does give up a naff single to Marsh, early on. Joy Division blares out as he finishes his 5th over on the bounce, for just two.
8.12am GMT
08:12
9th over: Australia 65-0 (Finch 24, Marsh 38)
Too much on Marsh’s pads, as he takes a single off a Broad delivery, which is cross seam. Finch then flicks one around the corner which falls just short of Steven Finn at short fine-leg. They take a single and, yet again, Marsh rotates with a flick off his legs. Finch muscles one high over cover, which plugs and elicits a synchronised slide from James Taylor and Woakes (three runs). Leg side again from Broad to Marsh, this time a bit shorter and Marsh gets a thin edge just past Buttler, for four. A chance? Hmmm... not so sure. Another ruddy leg-stump single...
8.07am GMT
08:07
8th over: Australia 54-0 (Finch 20, Marsh 31)
Even in defence, Marsh is looking very good. Full-face of the bat, perfectly timed footwork to compliment is eerie stillness at the crease. A tuck off his pad for a single brings up the 50 off 44 balls. Finch faces the rest of the over, scoring a couple of twos. Change of pace needed here - either Finn or Ali.
8.02am GMT
08:02
7th over: Australia 49-0 (Finch 16, Marsh 30)
Stuart Broad replaces Woakes and hits the deck first up - literally - as he fields a Marsh push. Another two to square leg, as Michael Slater says goodbye to Queensland, who have used up their daily quota of “live” sport, just as Finch goes dot, dot, four.
7.58am GMT
07:58
6th over: Australia 42-0 (Finch 12, Marsh 27)
Anderson starts around the wicket to Marsh and reins him in by cramping him for room. Naturally, with the angle, a straighter ball is tucked to the square leg boundary, for two. Fine shot from Marsh soon after - a crisp on-drive - is brilliantly saved from Finn at mid-on, for a single instead of four.
7.53am GMT
07:53
5th over: Australia 39-0 (Finch 12, Marsh 24)
Sharp fielding off his own bowling sees Woakes smartly stop a booming straight drive from Marsh. Sadly, neither Bopara at cover or Broad at mid on are able to prevent him from threading a four through the infield.
Ian Healy asking James Brayshaw what transgender is. Things I didn't expect to hear on Channel Nine's commentary this year. #ausveng
7.51am GMT
07:51
4th over: Australia 32-0 (Finch 12, Marsh 17)
Finch pumps another through cover, as Anderson goes a bit too full. Good finish to the over sees only two from the five remaining deliveries.
My first e-mail of the morning/evening comes from Nick in Saudi:
“Well I am back from playing.It was less cold as the day went on. I had one pretty good innings (21 off 5) and a very ordinary one (11 off 5) as well, but with three catches I feel I acquitted myself rather well. Looks like England did a pretty good job as well. Shame they couldn’t push on for a big score I feel the same about my own day.”
Still, that’s a healthy strike-rate Nick. #GetHimOnThePlane
7.46am GMT
07:46
3rd over: Australia 26-0 (Finch 7, Marsh 16)
Bit of swing, but little sign of anything else for the bowlers. Woakes could do with a little bit of something off the pitch, as Marsh drives a ball on middle and off through wide mid-on for four. Twice. Standard over-correction sees Woakes bowl wider and shorter and Marsh thumps it off the back foot through cover. The last ball is left alone, for a laugh.
7.42am GMT
07:42
2nd over: Australia 13-0 (Finch 6, Marsh 4)
James Anderson from the other end. An outswinger finds the edge to third man and brings the leftie Marsh on strike. Starts with a wide and then back in that area a ball later, allowing Marsh to get off the mark with a four to fine leg. Another on leg-stump brings Finch on strike and Anderson is much better to him. The chunky wombat steals a single off the last ball.
7.38am GMT
07:38
1st over: Australia 5-0 (Finch 5, Marsh 0)
Christopher Woakes with the new ball, Aaron Finch with the first four, as he punches the opening ball of Australia’s reply through the covers. Woakes is tighter and straight for the next two, before Finch gets one on his pads and takes the single. Shaun Marsh, fresh from 51-ball 79, dots out the last two balls, finding point and then cover with a couple of drives.
7.27am GMT
07:27
Thanks Geoff.
As it happens, there have been three scores higher than England’s 303 at Hobart. The highest? A 344 from Australia against a Heath Streak-lead XI (Zimbabwe). The second and third were India’s successful chase of Sri Lanka’s 320 in February 2012.
Obviously a lot’s changed since then. OK, not that much, but since the new ODI rules were introduced, there’s only been one other ODI at the Bellerive Oval, and that was when Australia defended 247 against Sri Lanka.
So yeah. That.
7.05am GMT
07:05
England set Australia 304 to win
A sense of disappointment for England that they couldn’t get the final overs going. They added only 59 in the final 10, and lost six wickets in the process. That said, a score of over 300 is going to make you favourite any day of the week, and I’m sure we can pull up various stats to tell you what the biggest chases are in Hobart and perhaps what the average chase is as well.
I’ll dob in Vithushan Ehantharajah to do that number-crunching, as he takes over for the chase. Geoff Lemon out, thanks for your company this fine Australian afternoon.
7.00am GMT
07:00
50th over: England 303-8 (Broad 0)
Bopara couldn’t find anything today. Started the over with another dot ball, then a desperation run where Smith could have run him out, then he was bowled and the wickets fell. Two singles and three wickets from that final over.
6.59am GMT
06:59
WICKET! Woakes 0 (0 balls), run out (Haddin)
That’s a team hat-trick for Australia to close England’s innings. Broad missed the final ball, Woakes ran regardless, and once again wasn’t sharp enough to beat Haddin’s underarm throw. That’s some top ten-pin bowling from the Aussie keeper.
Updated
at 10.55am GMT
6.57am GMT
06:57
WICKET! Buttler 25 (24 balls), run out (Haddin)
Two in two balls, as Woakes played and missed at Starc, tried for a run anyway, and Brad Haddin was sharp to the chance, throwing down the striker’s stumps to beat Buttler’s dive. One ball left.
6.56am GMT
06:56
WICKET! Bopara 7 (16 balls), b Starc
Bopara getting desperate after being unable to hit anything, goes way outside off stump to confuse Starc, starc bowls on leg stump, Bopara tries to glance it and misses. May even have got a slight touch on that to direct it back onto his stumps.
6.52am GMT
06:52
49th over: England 301-5 (Buttler 24, Bopara 6)
Buttler getting desperate, tries a reverse swat against him and misses. Then advances, Faulkner sees him coming and drops short and Buttler can only drag one to mid on. Bopara pulls a single, Buttler only gets one from a full toss. Another tight wide is called as Bopara drives and misses, then another Bopara single to mid-on.
Finally, from the last ball, some relief for England, as Buttler slaps a fullish ball straight down the ground for four.
There’s that 300. Ambrosia.
6.48am GMT
06:48
48th over: England 292-5 (Buttler 18, Bopara 4)
Dot ball to Bopara, edges Starc into his body and away toward mid off. Then a marginal wide outside off that Bopara tried to hit and missed. Then a single. He’s faced 11 balls for 4 runs. Buttler is beaten outside off and it’s another dot. Then he pulls two though square. My kingdom for a boundary. Nope. A leg bye to point, as Starc spears into Buttler’s pads. This is tight stuff at the death, Australia’s bowlers have improved late and capitalised on the indecision.
Which raises the question, was this pitch actually good to bat on, or did Bell just make it look good? This pair are struggling to read the pace.
6.44am GMT
06:44
47th over: England 285-5 (Buttler 14, Bopara 3)
Faulkner bowling a lot of slower balls, and this is frustrating for these two batsmen. Skied wickets to come, surely. Single, leg bye, dot, dot. They get a wide as one of Faulkner’s leg-spinning faster balls skews wide of off, then Buttler gets a couple of twos through midwicket, but they can’t land a blow. Two overs left, even the 300 will require some smiting.
6.41am GMT
06:41
46th over: England 278-5 (Buttler 9, Bopara 3)
So England haven’t been able to launch in these last few overs. Buttler and Bopara haven’t yet got the pace of the pitch. Hard when you’re walking in right at the end. Starc works Bopara over - he gets two runs from an airy leg glance, but can’t score from the other five deliveries, Starc mixing up good yorkers with short balls that Bopara can’t hit. The batsman is moving around a lot and the bowler used that to his advantage.
6.35am GMT
06:35
45th over: England 276-5 (Buttler 9, Bopara 1)
Five from his last over, including a wide, but Cummins has shown what can happen when the conditions aren’t in his favour. He’s gone for 74 from his 10 overs, with that consolation wicket at the end to slightly burnish his figures. Copped some stick today.
6.31am GMT
06:31
WICKET! Root 69 (70 balls), c Finch b Cummins
He’s been going well but it’s over... Root tries a big lofted drive against Cummins and can only drag it to mid-on, where Finch takes a straightforward catch.
6.29am GMT
06:29
44th over: England 271-4 (Root 68, Buttler 7)
They still can’t get the tonk going against Sandhu. Single, dot, single... but then it comes. Buttler gets a big nick through third man - four - then Root plays the reverse ramp. Having already hit one through fine leg, this one has the bat face angled further around and goes through third man. That’s outrageously good.
11 from the over, though Sandhu still manages to finish his allotted overs with 2/49.
John Culley is “not sure Mark Webb is being all English about this. True Englishness will be to read too much into a couple of results or individual performances in what is a Warm Up competition and then imagine we might be any good or even on course to win the World Cup. The delicious taste of anticipation will be cruelly ripped away by Australia on Feb 14.”
6.25am GMT
06:25
43rd over: England 260-4 (Root 63, Buttler 1)
If you don’t mind, umpire... Root comes across outside off, kneels down and ramps Cummins to the fine leg fence. Audacious, but easier from a full toss. Perhaps Root was getting anxious, after just a couple of singles from the first four balls. Buttler needs a few sighters before he starts dishing out crowd catches.
6.21am GMT
06:21
42nd over: England 254-4 (Root 58, Buttler 0)
“Good little over there” is the radio’s assessment of an over that yielded 2/2.
Sandhu has 2/39 from nine overall. Buttler is at the crease.
6.19am GMT
06:19
WICKET! Morgan 0 (1 ball), c Haddin b Sandhu
Captain’s gone, a first-baller! Two in the over. Sandhu has hammered the ball into the pitch all day and got some movement - he did that again, a bit of a finger-roll across the seam, hung it back at that shortish length, Morgan tried to run the ball away to third man and only got a little nick through to Haddin as it angled across him. Good bowling.
Updated
at 6.32am GMT
6.16am GMT
06:16
WICKET! Bell 141 (125 balls), c Starc b Sandhu
It’s all over! Sandhu gets the wicket, his length proved hard to hit most of the day but Bell tried, he knew it was time to press the pedal down and either score or get England’s big hitters in. Tried a big off-drive, didn’t get it, and the ball went high in the air where Starc made up ground well and took a very good sprawling catch running wide of mid-off.
Updated
at 6.33am GMT
6.13am GMT
06:13
41st over: England 252-2 (Bell 142, Root 56)
Six! Pat Cummins back, bangs his first ball in short and fast, and Bell hooks. He gets it toward the top edge and the ball goes high, but it soars over the square leg fence on this small Bellerive ground. The calm Bell happily glides a single from the next ball, no need for an Ali series for him.
One to Root, then the bounce beats Bell on his attempted short-arm pull. Bell, incidentally, has long passed his previous ODI high score of 126, which he’d previously made twice. Starts the over with a six, ends it with three dots.
There goes the 250.
6.09am GMT
06:09
40th over: England 244-2 (Bell 135, Root 55)
They’re going either side of the wicket with ease, which tells you the bowling lines are moving around a lot too. Bell to cover, Root to midwicket, single, single, then Bell cuts three in the air over point, well saved at the rope. Root drives two through midwicket. Faulkner goes for seven, and we’re into the last 10 overs.
6.07am GMT
06:07
39th over: England 237-2 (Bell 131, Root 52)
Four! Slap. Bell advances to Pat Cummins and smacks him over mid-off for four. Plenty on that. That raises the 100 partnership in 16 overs, Bell’s second such partnership this innings.
Then a half-century as Root works two runs off his pads. 51 from 56 balls, only four boundaries, so he’s done most of it in bits and pieces. They end with 10 from the over, the run rate still above 6.
6.01am GMT
06:01
38th over: England 227-2 (Bell 125, Root 48)
Bell is getting a bit antsy, feels compelled to land a big shot somewhere. He aims one at Faulkner’s slower ball, the one that spins out of the back of the hand. Bell missed, but the ball was just wide of the stumps. Then a stifled lbw appeal against Root after a ball pitched outside leg stump. It was all going well until the last ball, when Bell plays another risky shot by backing outside leg stump and cutting the ball off his stumps.
He gets four through third man.
5.57am GMT
05:57
37th over: England 219-2 (Bell 119, Root 47)
Bell still finding the boundary: Sandhu drops short and Bell swats him away through midwicket. Add that to four more singles, most on the pull shot.
5.53am GMT
05:53
36th over: England 212-2 (Bell 113, Root 45)
This is excellent restrained one-day batting from Bell and Root. Draw back and work the ball square, step forward and drive through cover, drive to long-on. Single, two, single, two.
“I hate to be all ‘English’ about this,” says Mark Webb, starting a sentence in the most English possible fashion, “but this fantastic start is just going to make the inevitable collapse and humiliating defeat that much worse when it inevitably happens.”
SKY. LIMIT.