Australia’s Unbreakable Streak Hits 14 as England Falls Apart Once More
Australia’s Unbreakable Streak Hits 14 as England Falls Apart Once More: Australia tightened their grip on the ODI series with a commanding 68-run win over a lackluster England at Headingley on Saturday. A crucial half-century from wicketkeeper Alex Carey led Australia to a total of 270, which proved to be enough as their bowlers dismantled England’s lineup, leaving the hosts all out for 202 in 40 overs.
Carey’s pivotal knock of 74 came at a crucial moment, helping Australia recover from a precarious position at 221-9. His composed innings, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, was instrumental in taking Australia to a competitive total after a collapse seemed imminent. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia fought back with Carey and Aaron Hardie adding a vital 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket.
England, chasing 271, began their innings with hope, but their top-order crumbled under pressure. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were the chief architects of England’s downfall, each delivering devastating spells to leave England reeling at 65-5. Despite a spirited 49 from Jamie Smith and a 55-run stand with Jacob Bethell, England never recovered fully as wickets fell at critical junctures. Adil Rashid’s late hitting with 27 offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent England from falling short.
Australia’s dominance extended their winning streak in ODIs to 14 games, as their bowlers once again proved too strong for the opposition. Starc, after a slow start, finished with three wickets, including a brilliant inswinger that trapped England captain Harry Brook lbw. Hazlewood was equally lethal, picking up two key wickets, including opener Phil Salt, who had a brief reprieve after being dropped, only to edge another delivery to Carey.
England’s innings looked promising in parts, particularly with Smith and Bethell at the crease, but Bethell’s wild shot off Glenn Maxwell derailed the partnership. Maxwell also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets, including Rashid, who became his 200th ODI victim.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s innings also saw moments of vulnerability. After reaching 145-3, they lost momentum with Marnus Labuschagne (19) and Mitchell Marsh (60) falling in quick succession to Bethell. Rashid’s milestone wicket of Glenn Maxwell added further pressure, but Carey’s resilience ensured Australia posted a defendable target. Brydon Carse threatened to rip through the lower order with two wickets in two balls, but Carey continued to farm the strike effectively, keeping Australia’s innings alive until he was the last man out in the 45th over.
England’s next challenge will be to regroup as they aim to avoid a series whitewash. Meanwhile, Australia will look to continue their dominance and carry their winning momentum into the final match.
With this victory, Australia’s supremacy in the ODI format remains unchallenged, leaving England with plenty to ponder before the next encounter.
