Follow UsIt was quite a puzzling second ODI at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, where spinners ran the show between Australia Women and England Women. At 146/3, the expectations were that Australia would get themselves to a score well beyond the 250-run mark with a well-established Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland.
However, an unexpected collapse meant that Australia could only reach 180, losing their last seven wickets for just 34 runs. England’s spin twins of Alice Capsey (3/22) and Sophie Ecclestone (4/35) destroyed the Australian batting unit.
As it turned out, 180 was 21 runs well beyond England’s reach as Australia completed an outrageous comeback win to seal the series 2-0. In the post-match presentation, Australia skipper Alyssa Healy hailed the ‘tremendous game of cricket’, stating that the bowlers did the job.
“A tremendous game of cricket. It was a serious effort from the bowlers. Our bowlers did an outstanding job, there was enough in the wicket. They created pressure [by bowling in the right areas], and the fielders held on to those chances,” Healy said in the post-match presentation.
However, the Australian skipper also warned that the team needs to perform well in the third ODI in Hobart.
“We speak about hanging in there in the contest and create opportunities. We need to put up a more complete performance together at Hobart [next game].”
On the other hand, the English skipper Heather Knight complimented the bowling unit, stating they did excellently to restrict Australia to 180.
“Really exciting game. Both teams fought hard. It's frustrating to lose. I think we did well to restrict them to 180,” Knight said.
At 146/9, all hopes of an England win were pinned on the back of Amy Jones, who remained unbeaten on 47. But Knight wanted the rest of the batting unit to be braver with the bat.
“Amy kept us in the game. She tried to face the majority of the balls, and she got the occasional boundaries. Unfortunately, we were not close enough. We just need to do things better. We need to be brave with the bat, I think,” she concluded.
With two crucial wins, Australia have a strong hold on the Ashes, with an ODI to spare in Hobart.