Sports/Alive News: England bounced back strongly in the second ODI against Australia, posting 355 for six in 50 overs at the Adelaide Oval. The total is England’s highest-ever ODI score on Australian soil. Australia also conceded more than 350 runs at home against an opposition for the first time.
Tom Banton led England’s batting effort with a superb 121 off 99 balls, while Joe Root scored 62, Jordan Cox contributed 67 and Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 54. England are looking to level the three-match series after losing the opening ODI in Perth.
Banton struck 12 fours and four sixes during his second ODI century. He continued batting despite being struck on the helmet by a delivery from Spencer Johnson in the sixth over. The impact dislodged the helmet’s neck guard and left a mark on his cheek. Banton responded by attacking the Australian bowlers, completing his century in 86 balls.
Banton and Root build 137-run partnership
After Ben Duckett fell for nine, Banton and Root steadied the innings with a 137-run partnership for the second wicket. Root made 62 off 68 deliveries, registering his 70th career score of 50 or more in ODIs. He was caught by Cooper Connolly off a delivery that generated extra bounce.
Captain Harry Brook could manage only five runs before being bowled by Riley Meredith.
Cox and Jacks provide late acceleration
Jordan Cox scored 67 off 49 balls, bringing up his half-century in 39 deliveries. Will Jacks added an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls after being dropped on 40 by Adam Zampa. Sam Curran and Gus Atkinson also made useful contributions, with Atkinson striking two successive sixes in the final over.
For Australia, Xavier Bartlett was the leading wicket-taker with four scalps. He dismissed Duckett, Banton, Root and Cox. Bartlett had replaced Mahli Beardman, who was rested after taking six wickets in the opening ODI.
