Jonathan Trott
How can almost everything go right in one day and quoting Linkin Park lyrics “In the end it doesn’t even matter”. This is what England must have felt at the end of the 6th ODI of the 7 match ODI series with Australia in Sydney.
England won the toss at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), and elected to bat first. Skipper Andrew Strauss led from the front making an opening 63 runs of 69 balls before he was dismissed by Steven Smith. Opener Matt Prior who is usually in good form, could not make more than 18 runs of 2 3balls and was dismissed by Mitchell Johnson.
Jonathan Trott made all the difference with his brilliant knock of 137 runs of 126 balls which aided in England making their highest total in Australia, his individual total should have been more than sufficient to safely take his team to victory, but probably on any other day besides that day, his wicket was claimed by Shaun Tait.
Kevin Pietersen who has been whining about the World Cup schedule and poking fun at the IPL should have perhaps spent that time practicing. He made 29 runs of 34 balls and was dismissed by Brett Lee, however in KP’s defence, even small figures like that end up making a large difference to the outcome of a match, which eventually it did.
Ian Bell made an all important 45 runs of 32 balls but unfortunately was dismissed by Shaun Tait. Eoin Morgan made 21 runs of 13 balls and was dismissed by Shane Watson.
Paul Collingwood made 7 runs of 5 balls and Chris Woakes made 0, both remained not out at the end of their innings and the total was a colossal 333 runs that could be chased a 6.66 runs per over.
England would have felt relatively relaxed as a total like that is both mentally and physically challenging especially for a run chase.
This is when everything started going wrong for England, Almost the entire team barring Steven Smith made a helpful contribution. Openers Shane Watson made a crucial 51 runs of 34 balls and Brad Haddin made 20 runs of 25 balls, Watson was dismissed by Michael Yardy and Haddin by James Anderson.
Callum Ferguson made 46 runs of 44 balls another important individual score; he was however run out by Prior/Yardy.
Mitchell Johnson made a stunning 57 runs of 59 balls, he is Australia’s key player, on a day where he succeeds Australia can relax; he can be termed as a true all rounder as his bowling as well as batting is very destructive for the opposing side, his wicket was ultimately taken by Kevin Pietersen.
Then arrived pup/skipper Michael Clarke, he made 82 runs of 70 balls and finally started slowly taking away the match from England’s hands. He is showing his country how there is no need for Ricky Ponting anymore.
His dismissal came at a very crucial stage where England could still wing it if they tried. He was run out by Trott/Prior and where England finally thought they would take the match back they just couldn’t manage to. Brett Lee is experienced enough to stay calm in such a situation as he has been involved in plenty himself and John Hastings showed great character as well and let’s face it; they aren’t chokers like South Africa.
Cameron White made 20 runs of 21 balls and David Hussey made 38 runs in 36 balls both were dismissed by Steven Finn but individually helped Australia take the match closer.
Ultimately the tail Enders kept Australia home, making 7 runs after the dismissal of Michael Clarke which was dramatic but doable.
Once again the man of the match went to an Englishman even though Australia won the match, Johnathan Trott for his 137 runs. It would mean nothing to him, since it wasn’t enough to salvage another win for his team from this series.
With one more to go let’s see what happens, hopefully Australia will not end on a high.
Australia is coming back strong and dangerous, unfortunately for us, right on time.
Tags: 6th ODI, Australia, Cricket, England, Jonathan Trott, ODI Series, SCG, Sydney Cricket Ground
