Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Aaron Finch at a loss to explain batting collapse in 2nd ODI | England vs Australia 2nd ODI Review: Aaron Finch disappointed by collapse
The second ODI between Australia and England was an easy win for the latter. Victory looked easier for the former at 144/2, when Australia had two set batsmen with just 88 runs to chase in 19.2 remaining overs. But the chase got tougher when Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes showed a good comeback with their bowling and, before the Aussies lost 8 for 63.
Though Aaron Finch, who scored 73 in 105 balls and Marnus Labuschagbe who scored 48 in 59, hosted the guests well, Chris Workes and Jofra Archer’s terrific bowling created tension in the opposition. “We knew that it would be tough for new batters to start on a wicket like that, but still very disappointed. How do you stop a collapse? That’s a million-dollar question”, said Finch in the post-match presentation.
While Jofra Archer, won the Player of the Match award for his three wickets taking all the top batsmen, Chris Woakes was also at top of his game claiming wickets of Aaron Finch, Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell.
“We might not have been 100% committed to our plans, and might have overplayed the situation in our heads. They managed death bowling nicely. We bowled a touch wide and gave them a few opportunities to free their arms. They’re no excuse for that collapse. Not the most viewer-friendly contest, but there was a contest between bat and ball. When you’ve got an opportunity to see the chase home, you’re disappointed”, Australian captain said.
It wasn’t all hunky-dory for England as well, but Morgan maintained a calm demeanor, stuck to his conviction and the team followed. Though Mark Wood, who had recovered from his ankle injury last year, was out of the game, Morgan was left with two key strike bowlers in Archer and Woakes. When the ball started to swing and seam, things turned in their favor in the second inning. “I threw everything at it. We needed to go all-in. But when the bowlers bowl like that – when the bowlers bat like that – it makes the captain look good”, said Morgan.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
