Australia produced an all-rounder in the first ODI to beat England by 19 runs and go 1-0 up in the three-match series in Southampton. After Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell combined to put a decent total on the board, the bowlers did their job to defend the total. Josh Hazlewood, in particular, was spectacular with the ball. Hazlewood also even grabbed a one-handed stunner to dismiss Jason Roy and draw early blood in the second innings.
Batting first, Australia were in a spot of bother after losing a couple of wickets early on the but the middle-order contributed heavily to post a decent total. Australia promoted all-rounder Marcus Stoinis at No.3 in the absence of Steve Smith. He did a decent job with the bat chipping in with 43 runs from 34 deliveries.
Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell shared a 100+ partnership prompting Australia to post 294 runs on the board. Marsh chipped in with 73 runs while Maxwell contributed much-needed 77 runs to boost up Australia’s confidence.
Hazlewood picks a one-handed stunner to dismiss Roy
Right from the onset of the second half, it looked like a difficult run-chase. And, Josh Hazlewood made lives of England batsmen more difficult with his impeccable line and length. Hazlewood drew the first blood in the fourth over with a spectacular one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Jason Roy.
It was a length delivery around off-stump, Roy pressed forward and then drove back from where it came. It was hit on the up and hence went back towards the bowler on the full. Josh Hazlewood, who was veering away on his followthrough, stuck his right hand out and held on to a beauty. It was not at all an easy catch but Hazlewood made it look like a cakewalk.
Watch the video here:
A very good catch.
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Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood continued his spectacular performance finishing with three for 26 in his quota of 10 overs. Although Sam Billing tried his best with a century but lacked support at the other end. Adam Zampa also made full use of the assistance in the pitch to return with four wickets. The lower-order didn’t manage to even touch the double figures as England finished 19 runs short.
The second ODI of the series is on September 13 (Sunday) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
