Alex Carey sparks recovery as Australia thrash England in 2nd ODI
LEEDS: Australia, thanks to Alex Carey’s crucial 74, defeated England by 68 runs in the second one-day international at Headingley on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Australia struggled at 221-9 after losing the toss, but Carey’s impressive knock, supported by Josh Hazlewood in a 49-run last-wicket partnership, lifted their total to 270 all out.
In response, England collapsed to 65-5 and were bowled out for 202 with nearly 10 overs left. No English batsman managed to reach fifty. Jamie Smith’s 49 delayed the inevitable, but when he fell, England’s chances faded.
Australia’s bowlers, Mitchell Starc (3-50) and Josh Hazlewood (2-54), played a key role in England’s early collapse. Starc dismissed captain Harry Brook lbw for four with a brilliant inswinging yorker, and Hazlewood removed Phil Salt to start the damage.
Aaron Hardie also shone for Australia, taking two wickets in two balls, including dismissing Ben Duckett (32) and Liam Livingstone for a golden duck, both caught by Carey.
Earlier, Mitchell Marsh top-scored for Australia with 60, but it was Carey’s 67-ball knock, including eight fours and three sixes, that helped Australia reach a competitive total after their top-order faltered.
The third match of the series will be played at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
