Australia continue ascendency in T20 opener

Bopara’s late knock in vain as England lose by a mere 13 runs.

HOBART: England lost the opening Twenty20 International in Hobart on Wednesday after narrowly failing to chase down Australia’s massive 214-run target.

Australia was always in the box seat, with the tourists on 176 for nine with an over left.

But some prodigious late hitting by Ravi Bopara got England to within 13 runs of the target at the finish. Bopara smashed seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten 65 off 27 balls, but paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled the Australians to victory with four for 30 off his four overs.

Joe Root scored 32 off 24 balls and opener Alex Hales hit 22 off 12 balls for the beaten tourists, who have only won one limited-over international on their hapless tour of Australia.

“Ravi’s performance was a positive, but if you lose three wickets in the first six overs, you rarely win,” said England skipper Stuart Broad.

“We’ll reflect and consider changes, but I err on the side of consistency and back these players to come back strong in Melbourne.”

Cameron White was named man-of-the-match for his 75 off 43 balls as Australia set England 214 to win. White smashed six boundaries and four sixes to set the platform for the home side’s 213 for four after they won the toss. “It’s a nice feeling to be back and it’s something I’ve worked hard for, to get the opportunity to play for Australia,” said White.



“England are a dangerous side and they bat really deep in the order, and with the short boundaries, the game was never really won.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2014.

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