 The first match of the series was a thriller. England recorded their eighth straight
win in the format which is more than any other team has managed in the short history
of T20. Debutant Chris Woakes kept his head and saw his side home with
a vital 19 not out.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs England
Australia are slipping further, this would be another series in international
cricket which they cannot win. The second of the two T20s will be played at MCG
under lights on Friday.
Australia began their new era under Cameron White as captain after Michael
Clarke had quite. It got off a disappointing start. Australia were banking
heavily on the quicks Brett Lee and Shaun Tait but they failed to deliver.
Going into the second game, Australia would hope for a better show from their
batsmen who failed to keep going on a placid pitch last time around. Lack of a
quality spinner means extra burden on Steve O'Keefe and Steven Smith. Brett Lee
might go out of favor of selectors after a poor show. It was the fielding that
led to Australia's downfall, loose efforts in the field, letting easy boundaries
go by and missing direct hits.
It all has to improve if Australia are to level the series 1-1 decisively. It
wasn't a crushing defeat like the Ashes, Australia almost won it after Englishmen
threw their wickets way. Australia would like to have better bowling and batting
starts on January 14. It was in the early stages of both innings when Australians
struggled most.
Australia have lost all of their last five T20s.
England almost threw it away with careless batting in the opening T20, but the
world champions recovered. The Ashes is won but the intent is there for England
under Paul Collingwood. England are missing their frontline seamers but Ajmal Shahzad, Tim Bresnan and Chris Woakes - the hero in the last game
have done a decent job so far.
They have bowled tight lines which contained the Aussie batsmen even on a flat
track. England have more concerns in batting heading into the second ODI.
England got off to a creamy start but due to lack of planning or complacency kept
losing wickets regularly. Captain Paul Collingwood's dodgy form is also a worry
for England.
England however will go out all guns blazing as they are not under any sort of
pressure now. Senior players have been rested and youngsters would want to grab
the chance by the throat at MCG.
England have won all of their last five T20s.
|
