Majestic Morgan steals the show

By Andrew Miller

A blistering onslaught from Eoin Morgan proved to be the difference between the two teams in the first ODI, as England defeated Australia by 15 runs in a closely fought contest at Lord’s.

Morgan was the fall guy during a tough winter for England. He lost his place in the Test team after being found out by Saeed Ajmal and managed a top score of 25 not out in ten international matches.

However, on Friday he returned to his coruscating best in the one-day format on his home ground of Lord’s, smashing 89 not out from 63 balls to hoist England’s total to a very competitive 272 for 5.

 England endured a tricky start after losing the toss in showery conditions, and were still off the pace at 157 for 3 with 13 overs to go when Morgan turned on the style.

From a solid base of 18 not out from 27 balls, he belted a further 71 from 26, including three consecutive sixes off Brett Lee and Shane Watson, whose final over went for 19.

 “It’s a big turnaround from the start of my year, so I’m  very pleased,” said Morgan. “I thought 272 was about par but we bowled really well. The wicket was a bit slower than expected and it was hard to get in and hard to time. But we backed ourselves to clear the ropes in the Powerplay.”

In reply, Australia started solidly with 56 from David Warner, and 61 from 67 from Michael Clarke, but they fell away as the rate
began to climb. 

Date: 29/06/2012 19:58:04 by AMiller
In: Today | England |