England outclassed Australia in a 48-run victory at Edgbaston. With the absence of skipper Michael Clarke, the Aussies were a team depleted and were victim to an onslaught from England.
England won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening duo of Ian Bell and captain Cook scored a partnership of 57 runs before Shane Watson dismissed Cook. Ian Bell was to prove an influential part of their victory laying the foundations for a high score as he fell 9 runs short of a century following a dismissal by James Faulkner. Ravi Bopara came in to stabilize the England innings after wickets started to tumble and scored 46* of 37 balls – an innings that also included England’s only six of the innings. England completed the 50 overs with a score of 269 – 6.
England outclassed Australia and romped to a 48 run win. A very fun game to witness as England fans. #CT13
— The Sport Matrix (@TheSportMatrix) June 8, 2013
Opening for Australia were David Warner and Shane Watson, and Warner fell victim to Stuart Broad – a wicket of which was part of an opening dominating fielding display by England in the first ten overs. The worst part of Australia’s collapse was conceding 4 wickets and only scoring 24 runs to compensate. James Faulkner and George Bailey batted well for their nation scoring 54 and 55 respectively, alas in vain. It was an uneasy day for Mitchell Johnson, who was victim the full force of the chants England’s cricket fans – including members of The Sport Matrix who were present at Edgbaston! Notably, it was a special day for Jimmy Anderson who became England’s leading ODI Wicket taker with 3 -30 in a stellar bowling performance. Australia quickly found themselves falling further and further behind an increasing run rate, and England cruised to a comfortable win. 
The match seemed won halfway through Australia’s innings, their pace was simply not good enough. England cruised to a great win which gives them a vital edge in their group and also a psychological advantage come The Ashes next month.
Thanks for reading this article. Image Credit: BBC Sport, DAWN.com
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