Tom Banton delivered a statement performance with the bat as England looked to bounce back against Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, November 15. The right-handed batter produced a magnificent century, taking on the Australian bowling attack and giving the visitors a strong platform after an early setback.
Banton’s innings was particularly important after England suffered a disappointing seven-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth. The 27-year-old showed composure, attacking intent and excellent shot selection to register his second ODI hundred.
Tom Banton’s second ODI century puts Australia under pressure
England were asked to bat first after Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field. The visitors lost Ben Duckett early, with the opener departing for nine after a catch by Cooper Connolly off Xavier Bartlett.
Banton, however, refused to allow the early wicket to disrupt his approach. He continued to play his natural attacking game, finding boundaries on both sides of the wicket and keeping the scoreboard moving.
He also had to deal with an uncomfortable moment early in his innings when a Spencer Johnson delivery struck his helmet. After receiving attention, Banton continued batting and gradually took control of the contest.
THAT ONE WAS BRUTAL FROM SPENCER JOHNSON 🥵#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/HYEFkQST4z
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 15, 2026
The English batter reached his half-century from 45 deliveries before accelerating further. He brought up his second ODI century in just 86 balls, celebrating the milestone after taking two runs in the 32nd over.
100* off 86🔥
Banton brings up his second ODI hundred for England 🙌#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/sAnuPmqXzB
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 15, 2026
England opener Tom Banton brings up his second ODI century in no time at all 👏#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/ZhAMeEBrwz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 15, 2026
Banton eventually departed for a brilliant 121, facing 99 deliveries and hitting 12 fours and four sixes. Xavier Bartlett dismissed him, with Cameron Green completing the catch.
Joe Root and Tom Banton build a crucial partnership
One of the defining moments of England’s innings was the partnership between Banton and Joe Root.
After Duckett’s early dismissal, Root joined Banton and helped rebuild the innings with a measured yet positive approach. The pair added 137 runs for the second wicket, putting Australia under pressure and taking England towards a commanding position.
Root contributed 62 from 68 deliveries, including five boundaries. His dismissal to Cooper Connolly ended a valuable partnership, but England had already regained control of the innings.
Banton’s ability to combine calculated aggression with sensible rotation of strike was central to the stand. The partnership also gave England’s middle order a platform to accelerate during the final overs.
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Jordan Cox and Will Jacks continue England’s acceleration
Following the departures of Root and captain Harry Brook, who made just five, Jordan Cox joined Banton and ensured England did not lose momentum.
Cox played an attacking innings of 67, while Will Jacks provided further impetus towards the end. Their partnership helped England maintain a strong scoring rate after Banton’s dismissal.
England eventually finished at 355/6 in their allotted 50 overs, with Jacks remaining unbeaten on 54 and Gus Atkinson on 13.
England record their second highest ODI total against Australia 🏏#AUSvENG #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/xhFYOH5xMV
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 15, 2026
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