Trott revives England’s flagging hopes
The tourists needed a win to claw their way back into the seven-match series and a fine century by man-of-the-match Trott helped them to 299 for eight, the first time they have lasted their full complement of overs in the series.
Australia never looked comfortable in reply at the Adelaide Oval and their chances all but evaporated with the wicket of opener Shane Watson for 64, caught behind of Ajmal Shahzad. Captain Michael Clarke’s season-long woes with the bat deepened when he was clean bowled by Paul Collingwood for just 15 as the home team fell short with just 278 for seven.
A sturdy start
After electing to bat, the tourists looked poised for a huge score when they brought up their century for the loss of one wicket in the 15th over.
But the middle order stuttered and the innings lost its way, regaining momentum through a late flourish from Michael Yardy, who hit 39 not out from 27 balls. Trott (102 from 126 balls), who also picked up two wickets in the Australian innings, set up the win with his second ODI century while opener Matt Prior belted 67 from 58 balls.
Strauss welcomes improvement
Andrew Strauss welcomed the improved performance from his side. “It was a far better performance all round than in the first three games,” said Strauss. “After being three-nil down in the series, it was a must-win game for us.
“We came here determined to play well and we’re delighted to have won.”
Clarke said the Australians paid the price for a poor start with the ball. “England got off to a good start and 299 was a few too many on that wicket,” he said, playing down his own struggles with the bat.
“I didn’t get as many runs as I would have liked, but felt like I hit the ball OK.”
Expensive pacemakers
Trott and Prior set England on course for a big score, piling on 113 in quick time for the second wicket. They were helped by poor bowling from Australia’s pacemen, with Brett Lee conceding 68 runs from eight overs and Doug Bollinger 55 from nine.
Lee’s wayward bowling helped the English get off to flyer, his first delivery resulting in five wides in an opening over that cost 12 runs. However, the loss of Prior in the 23rd over slowed the innings.
Prior, who was coming off successive ducks, brought up his 50 with a six off Lee, but fell to Steve Smith in the spinner’s second over, top-edging an attempted cut.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2011.
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