England beat Australia to bag a 1-0 lead in first ODI of NatWest series; Morgan scores a century- Second ODI Preview
It has been a strange time in international cricket as far as England’s team is concerned, they have become quite a force to be reckoned within limited overs cricket. England recently won the T-20 world cup, and carried on the same form to easily beat Australia in the first of 5 ODI’s at the Rose Bowl, which meant they have won their last 6 one day internationals on the trot. It certainly is an unfamiliar feeling for the Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, who has long been used to dominating the English team. Although Australia has lost 2 ashes to England, but in the ODIs Australia and England have played 35 matches in last 10 years out of which Australia has won 25.
Talking about the first match, despite a win which was achieved with 4 overs to spare, it was the century of Eoin Morgan that guided England to victory. Australia knew a few more runs could have made the difference. Throughout the day it was pretty much an even battle between the 2 old rivals which promised a thrilling series ahead.
Australia's bowling has been quite ineffective against England, looking back at the T-20 final and the first ODI. It will be very strange to see Australia playing in the field, while their most quick bowler Shaun Tait will be watching from the stands at Sophia Gardens. Tait is there playing for Glamorgan in the Twenty20 tournament. England though will not mind not having to face Tait’s 100mph yorkers and nasty short balls. Tait these days is termed as a T-20 specialist for Australia.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said that losses bring out the best in his team, but a loss at Cardiff will make things very difficult for them, coming back after being 2 nil down in a 5 match series.
Shane Watson, the all rounder, is probably most important and consistent player in the Australian team. He has been doing well at the top of the order, and his medium fast bowling is more then useful.
At Southampton he did look to be in good touch. He will once again be expected to get Australia off to a quick start. That would give immense support to the long line up of big names coming after him.
While for England, Eoin Morgan by his number of consistent performances has made sure that he will be the danger man for every opposition; when they sit down to make their match strategy against England.
Australia made a surprise move by handing a debut to Josh Hazlewood in the first match. They were expecting some pace and bounce in the pitch that they hoped the tall teenager would be able to exploit. Josh bowled a nervy first ball that was a full toss, which Pietersen drove for a boundary, but Hazlewood did fight back to finish with 1 for 41. Ponting said the young man did handle himself very well
Clint McKay would have felt unlucky to be left out, and he may once again be sidelined if Hazlewood is retained. Steven Smith may be called in, his leg spin is quite handy in limited overs. At the same time he will add some power to the lower order. Having said that, Australia normally depends on their top 6 rather than stacking the team with all rounders, England meanwhile is surely expected to remain unchanged.
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