Glenn Maxwell And Alex Carey Star For Australia

In the final international match of what has been a bizarre but enthralling UK cricket summer, Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey put on a record-breaking 212-run partnership. This guided Australia to a thrilling one-day series victory over England.

“Beating World Champions England Is Massive” says Glenn Maxwell.

This turned out to be the only series that England have lost this summer. This includes test match series against both the West Indies and Pakistan. It also includes the ODI series against Ireland. Finally, the two T20I series are also included against Pakistan and Australia respectively.

Starc Stuns England Early

Winning the toss and batting first Eoin Morgan couldn’t have wished for a worse start as the hosts lost Jason Roy and Joe Root in the first two balls of the match to Mitchell Starc.

England recovered through Johnny Bairstow. The opener refinding his form with a fabulous century including 12 fours and two sixes. Perhaps the best he has played this summer.

Jonny Bairstow scored a superb century — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Jonny Bairstow of England celebrates reaching his century during the 3rd Royal London One Day International Series match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford on September 16, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Accompanied by half-centuries from Sam Billings and Chris Woakes, the home side fought their way from a dreadful start to 302-7 from 50 overs – a more than a respectable target. A tough gig for Australia to chase down.

Dreadful Start

Chasing, the Aussies got off to a less than convincing start of their own. They collapsed to 73-5 with Root and Woakes both taking two wickets.

The loss of the fifth wicket brought wicketkeeper Alex Carey and all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, to the crease, the pair set about rebuilding the tourists innings before accelerating.

Joe Root and Chris Woakes both picked up two wickets — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Sam Billings of England celebrates with Joe Root and teammates after running out Marnus Labuschagne of Australia during the 3rd Royal London One Day International Series match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford on September 16, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jason Cairnduff– Pool/Getty Images)

Both passed their fifties and began to set their sights on winning the march once again as Morgan’s England side struggled to find an answer to the duo.

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Jofra Archer thought he had removed Carey, only to see the keeper called back after Archer had overstepped the line.

Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey Rescue Australia

Carey capitalised on the lifeline and as he and Maxwell approached centuries. It was the dangerous all-rounder who reached the landmark first. In typical style Maxwell launched Adil Rashid high into the stands.

Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey scored a double century partnership — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Glenn Maxwell of Australia embraces Alex Carey of Australia after reaching his century during the 3rd Royal London One Day International Series match between England and Australia at Emirates Old Trafford on September 16, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Soon after Carey followed, albeit in rather calmer fashion as he nudged the ball into the legside to reach the milestone.

With victory in sight, the never say die attitude of the England bowlers came to the fore once again. Glenn Maxwell fell to Rashid before Archer removed Alex Carey – this time with a legal delivery.

With 10 to win from the last over captain Morgan took the gamble of bowling his leg-spinner for the final over. It was a gamble that quickly backfired as Starc, launched his first ball back over the bowlers head and into the stands.

Lower Order Finish The Job

The impactful Starc struck the fourth ball of the over to finish on 11 not out from three deliveries faced and secure a three-wicket win for the visitors.

This win meant Australia won the ODI series 2-1. The World Champions’ first home series defeat in five years.

Another thrilling match to bring to an end what has been a superb international summer, a credit to each and every side involved. The ECB requiring plaudits too.

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