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Australia registered a thrilling 21-run victory over England in the 2nd ODI at Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead in theseries. Batting first, Australia posted a modest total of 180, thanks to Ellyse Perry’s composed 60 and vital contributions from Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey wreaked havoc, sharing seven wickets to restrict the hosts. In reply, England faltered despite Amy Jones’ gritty unbeaten 47, as Alana King delivered a match-winning performance with 4/25. King’s all-round brilliance earned h🌱er the Player of the Match award, showcasing composure under pressure. With this win, Australia maintained their dominance in the series.
A resilient Australian batting display
Opting to bat first, Australia’s innings revolved around a composed knock from Ellyse Perry, who scored a crucial 60 off 85 balls. She steadied the ship after early setba🦋cks, forming vital partnerships with Litchfield (28) and Healy (24). Perry’s elegant stroke play and ability to rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking despite England’s disciplined bowling.
England’s bowlers, led by Ecclestone and Capsey, kept the Australian batte༺rs in check throughout the innin𝓀gs. Ecclestone’s precise line and length fetched her impressive figures of 4/34, while Capsey’s effective off-spin bagged 3/26. Their combined efforts, supported by sharp fielding, restricted Australia to what seemed a below-par total of 180.
England’s struggles against Alana King’s magic
Chasing a modest target, England struggled to build momentum as Australia’s bowlers exploited the conditions. Jones was the lone warrior, fighting valiantly with an unbeaten 47 off 72 balls. However, a lack of support from the top order, including early dismissals of Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight, left England’s chase in tatters.
King emerged as the match-winner for Australia with a sensational spell of 4/25. Her clever variations and consistent accuracy dismantled England’s middle order. King’s wicket of Danni Wyatt Hodge, taken of🌼f a sharp turning delivery, effectively sealed the game for Australia. Her heroics under pressure highlighted her all-round ca▨pability and match awareness.
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Australia’s bowling attack displayed exceptional teamwork, with contributions from Kim Garth (3ꦑ/37) and Megan Schutt (1/27). Their relentless pressure ensured England never gained control, as the visitors . S🐬trategic field placements and disciplined execution were instrumental in Australia’s defense of the modest total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Amy Jones doesn't take the single off the last ball of the over and Lauren Bell is bowled on the first over of the next.
It's small margins in cricket, but those are the things that can decide the Ashes.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7)
Once thing England men and women have in common, they can’t win doಌwn under.
— Vikrant Singh (@vikrantsingh_au)
How the helllll have we won that?! Gee whiz, what a fight – England should’ve won that 😳
— Dani Brown (@itsdanibrown)
Any jones didn't take single on last ball…lol are u fool… ofcourse u misunderstood….filer running without watching batsman…. definitely fools everywhere
— Gauti (@Tradergautam)
Stunning win by Australia. Absolute chaos. Hell of🐬 a game of cricket. Crazy capitulation by England. Thoroughly entertaining.
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery)
Let’s call this for what it is
It’s ridiculous cricket!! Braiꦯnless, moronic cricket. The players, management, tactics etc.
This Engl𒁏and women’s team have been lauded but are nothing more than flat track bullies against part ti𝐆me internationals teams
— Ru55 Mil50m (@Ru55Mil50m)
Stunning win for Australia who dragged themse𝓰lves off the canvas thanks to Alana King
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG)
5️⃣0️⃣ ODI wickets for Alana King 👏🏏
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ)
🌺Alana 🐈King finishes with 4/25 from ten overs, her best bowling figures in ODIs.
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1)
Australia one win in the Test away from🃏 retaining the Ashes.
Could lose the ꦍnext ജfour white-ball games, win the Test and walk away with the Ashes.
Likewise, one more win in ODIs/T20s would mean a drawn 🌌Test allo𝔍ws them to retain Ashes.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP)
I feel for Amy Jones, top scorer for England but clearly the pressure got to her during that innings as she made so many poor decisions, awful running, no game awareness and did not play the way her team needed her to play.
I hope she can benefit from the experience.— Super Wealth Fund (@Edtechx)
Australia go 4-0 up after defending 180 bowling England out for 159. Amy Jones will be gutted she didn't run off the final ball of the over as Lauren Bell is bowled off the first of the next.
This is going to HURT. They were SO in 🐼it & now have🍎 to dig deep ahead of the game 3
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27)
Unfortunately the Wom𓄧e🍬n’s Ashes is going to be done before the big game at the MCG .. The Aussies are just so much better .. they haven’t played anywhere near in the first 2 games and are 2-0 up
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Really good ℱwin. Pretty disappointing by𒐪 England though
— Ryan (@RyanLDScott)
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