England VI fall to first Australia tour defeat

Ross Hunter’s side started with two changes as James Millard and Mark Bond were called up to replace the injured Luke Sugg and Si Ledwith. 

England struggled from the outset in the field and Australia batted strongly to post the highest ODI score of the series, finishing the innings on an impressive 336 for three. Matt Cameron followed up yesterday’s half century with an unbeaten 84. 

England opened their innings with intent but found themselves five down by the end of the 20th over, with captain Matt Dean not reaching the heights of the preceeding three games as he was run out for four by Daniel Pritchard.

Opening partner Dan Field, however, scored 31 before being caught out.

England started to build a solid partnership between Bond and Justin Hollingsworth but the latter was run out two balls after reaching a half century. 

Rob Comber then joined Bond at the crease but Comber was also run out just as the pair appeared to be finding their rhythm.

England plugged away and began to build the pressure on the Australian fielders, with Bond batting well and Mo Khatri (double runs for B1 categorisation) opposite him.

The tourists continued to chase down the Australian total and needed 66 off the final four overs.

Despite a fantastic 78 not out from Bond, their efforts weren’t enough, as they finished on 294 for eight in their maiden loss of the series.

Reflecting on the loss, Bond said: “It was very disappointing to lose today.

“It was pretty tough fielding in the heat. The Aussies batted really well and probably got on top of us during that session. I think the lads got through the heat brilliantly and the energy we had batting second was pretty phenomenal so, hopefully, the conditions will be better suited to us for the last ODI on Friday and we can make it a four-one series win.

“I felt good batting and was greatly supported by my runners,” added Bond. “I enjoyed the innings and it was really nice to get out there and score some runs.

“The Australians bowled well today, but throughout our batting innings it certainly felt like we had control of the run chase. The guys who were running for me (Millard and Hossell) really maximised the runs for the shots I played.

“Everyone in camp is really positive. We are still three-one up and the team is really keen to try and win the series four-one.”