England win thriller to seal Australia series

MANCHESTER: England survived a dramatic collapse to beat Australia by one wicket in the third One-Day International (ODI) at Old Trafford and take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

England, set 213 to win after off-spinner and man of the match Graeme Swann took four wickets for 37 runs, were at one stage cruising at 185 for three.

But loose shots, coupled with excellent bowling by the Australians, reduced them 203 for nine and in danger of handing the match to the opposition.

However, right-hander Tim Bresnan (14) held his nerve and, with four needed off the last over, edged medium-pacer James Hopes to the boundary as England sealed the series-win with five balls and a wicket to spare.

England’s victory ended world champions Australia’s run of seven straight one-day series and tournament-wins following their 3-2 loss in South Africa last year.

It also meant Ashes holders England, who beat the Aussies in last month’s World Twenty20 final in Barbados, had completed a ‘treble’ of victories in all three international formats against Australia.

Andrew Strauss, who scored a career-best 87 against Australia said, “It was pretty horrendous. We looked like we were cruising when Eoin Morgan and I were going well. But Bresnan kept his cool. Any series win against Australia is a big achievement.”

Meanwhile, Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who struggled for his 16-ball three, said, “It was close but not close enough. We’ve have done enough talking, it’s about actions, standing up when the pressure is on.”

Australia will take on Pakistan in two Twenty20 matches after the series against the hosts.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2010.