ENG vs AUS: The England vs Australia T20I series has begun with the first T20I played at Southampton, as Australia were put to bat first. The Australian lineup saw a major change as Jake Fraser-McGurk has been dropped after his disgusting performance against Scotland.
Instead, Matt Short makes a return to the opening pair alongside explosive batter Travis Head. The first inning saw the Australian openers again provide the best start they could, as Travis Head again took his toll on the bowlers as he smashed 30 runs in Sam Curran’s fifth over of the powerplay. Saqib Mahmood was also smashed for runs in the final over of the powerplay, as Head scored a quickfire 59 runs off just 23 balls, with 8 fours and 4 sixes.
However, Saqib had the last laugh as he got rid of the dangerous opener in the final ball of the powerplay. Next Short took guard of the Australian innings, emerging with his handy 41 runs, and later a 37 from Inglis is what helped Australia post a total of 179, though the all-rounders and finishers failed miserably to the spinners.
England stand-in skipper Phil Salt came in to bat alongside Will Jacks; however, they could not stand the brute force of Sean Abbott and Josh Hazelwood with the new ball as, despite starts, wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
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England’s star of the match Livingstone did everything he could from his end, as he took guard with a 3-fer in the Australian innings and then scored a brilliant 37 runs. Though it couldn’t be of much help, as England were bowled out for 151.
Sean Abbott emerged as their best bowler, as he struck 3 wickets, and Zampa, their highest wicket-taker in the format, also picked two crucial wickets. It was then that Hazelwood, as always, picked two vital wickets of Jacks and the settled Livingstone.
Travis Head for his yet another brilliant knock was declared the Player of the Match, as the ICC picked no. 1 T20I batter continues to hold his spot. With the 28-run win, the Aussies do have an early lead in the series.
