England vs Australia 2013: Steady rain ruins the 3rd ODI

Rain stops play during the third one day international

After a dreadful Investec Ashes Series, Australia would be relieved as they managed to win the second ODI against England at Old Trafford. The batting clicked as a unit and later their bowlers were instrumental in Australia clinching the second match by 88 runs. But today, steady rain at Edgbaston denied Australia’s chances of taking unassailable lead 2-0 in the five-match ODI series.

The start was delayed by 20 minutes due to heavy showers. Michael Clarke got the first step right by winning the toss and electing to field first. Australia bowlers fared better than the English batsmen. Mitchell Johnson and Clint McKay were right on money with the new-ball and they were hitting the deck consistently.

England openers Kevin Pietersen and Michael Carberry’s task was to combat the early swing and get England off to a decent start. Michael Carberry had a terrible mix-up with Pietersen and was eventually run-out for  a single. Jonathan Trott walked in  but he found it extremely difficult to combat the swing as Johnson was bowling at good pace of 90 mph.

Johnson almost got rid of Trott twice, but they were overturned by the third umpire as England appealed for DRS. Eventually, he got rid of Kevin Pietersen for 6 with a beautiful short-pitched delivery. Kevin Pietersen was beaten by pace, and the ball quickly came off the surface before he got through his stroke.

Jonathan Trott and Joe Root had been the savior for England on many occasions. They had good understanding and steadied the ship for England, yet again. They both handled the Australia seamers well and ended the power play at 43/2.

Just when the partnership was starting to build, Adam Voges got rid of Joe Root for 12. Michael Clarke brought Adam Voges on because he wanted to save his best bowlers for the later part of the innings and the move worked for Australia.

However, rain stopped the proceedings soon afterwards and the play was eventually called-off due to persistent showers.

Australia still lead the five-match ODI series 1-0. Michael Clarke would be hoping that his boys replicate the same performance at Cardiff and the rain stays away, where they face England in the fourth ODI.