Australia have opened their World Cup bank account with a healthy deposit, a deposit England will still be trying to wipe off themselves after their opening match.
Aaron Finch’s sweet century in front of his Melbourne homies was the highlight of the game although Glen “Smacks Well” Maxwell continued his run of of excellent form with a quick 66 (44 balls). It was also nice to see Capn Bailey pitch in with a sharp 55 helping the team to a near MCG one day record total of 342.
England’s greasy palms didn’t help the tourists any as they dropped Finch on the second ball he faced and continued to look like over cooked cabbage in the field for a good portion of the game. A few brilliant deliveries from Stuart Broad had Australia buckling at 3 for 70 but the pressure soon dissipated as the Australians got on with the job. Steve Finn who’d been belted around the park for most of the game somehow pulled off a demurely celebrated hat trick at the end of the game although it’s probably not one he’ll glowingly retell to his grandchildren.
Apart from the diminutive James Taylor (hate his music, love his batting) and his defiant 99, England pants it with the bat. Eoin Morgan clearly has an xbox and toasted sandwhich maker in the change rooms as he continued to keep his stay in the middle brief with his fourth duck in his last five innings. With England at 5 for 73 at one point it was impressive they only lost by 111 runs.
Mitch Marsh was the unexpected star with the ball as he scooped career best bowling figures of 5 for 33. Considering his explosive batting and handiness with the ball it’s starting to make Shane Watson look like that guy at the party no one invited. It didn’t help that he didn;t bring a present (out for a duck and no wickets).
In an intriguing take on the rules of cricket James Anderson was given run out after an LBW decision was overturned via DRS. Those with a basic grasp of the game will know that the ball becomes “dead” after a dismissal decision and no run outs are possible. The ICC have confirmed the error, which cost James Taylor his maiden 100 (99 not out).
