5 best ODI matches between Australia and England
Since the inauguration of the first one-day international (ODI), England and Australia have always been the teams to beat. The fierce rivalry has never been short on entertainment, and the commitment shown by either side is always a sight to behold. Although there have been many amazing battles between the two, here are five of the best ODI matches between Australia and England:
#5 17 January 2014 - Australia win by 1 wicket
The 2nd ODI at the Gabba saw England winning the toss and electing to bat first. England were determined to pull off their first international win of the tour and started off brilliantly with Eoin Morgan scoring his sixth ODI century. Morgan (106) with the help of Ian Bell (68) and Jos Buttler (49) lifted England to a competitive total of 300. The Australian bowlers got into the act as Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile all bagged two wickets, snatching eight English wickets at the end of the innings.
Australias batsmen all made starts, but couldnt stay in and capitalise, Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwellhelped with 56 and 55 respectfully. England had the game in the palm of their hands at 244-9 with Australia needing 57 to win. Australia needed a miracle, namely Faulkner, the all-rounder along with number ten batsmen, Clint McKay (2) pulled off the impossible by chasing the total in just 36 balls.
Australia had nothing to lose, as Faulkner showed no mercy and smashed Ben Stokes over the Gabba for five sixes in 12 deliveries. Australia needed 12 in the last over with Tim Bresnan running in, Faulkner ending off on 69, hit three consecutive boundaries for four handing Australia a one-wicket victory with three balls remaining. Here is the scorecard of the match.