In the second One-Day International between England and Australia, the visitors claimed a commanding 68-run victory, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The match, held at Headingley Leeds showcased a blend of top-notch bowling, sharp fielding, and one of the standout moments of the game – a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Australia’s Aaron Hardie that left Ben Duckett stunned.
Aaron Hardie takes a brilliant catch
The major highlight of the match came in the 10th over of England’s chase, when Hardie produced a moment of magic to dismiss Ben Duckett. Hardie, delivering a slower cutter into the pitch, deceived Duckett, who misjudged the pace of the ball. The left-hander attempted to pull, but his bottom hand came off the bat, and the ball lobbed off the toe-end straight back towards the bowler.
What followed was nothing short of sensational. Hardie, in his follow-through, arrested his momentum and stretched to his left to pluck a one-handed screamer. Duckett stood in disbelief before slowly walking back to the pavilion, dismissed for 32 off 25 balls (4 fours, 1 six). It was a pivotal moment in England’s chase, further derailing their attempt to reach the 271-run target.
Here is the video:
Difficulty level of that caught & bowled: 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝ie 😤#ENGvAUSonFanCode pic.twitter.com/sg8QFtl7aW
— FanCode (@FanCode) September 21, 2024
Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc sends Harry Brook packing with a devastating inswinging yorker in the 2nd ODI | ENG vs AUS
Alex Carey shines as England falters
Batting first, Australia posted a competitive total of 270 all out in 44.4 overs. Alex Carey was the backbone of their innings, top-scoring with a brilliant 74 off 67 balls, including 8 boundaries and 3 sixes. Carey’s composure in the middle helped Australia recover from early stumbles, setting up a respectable target.
In response, England struggled to build momentum, eventually being bowled out for 202 in 40.2 overs. The Australian bowlers, led by the fiery Mitchell Starc, never allowed the English batsmen to settle. Starc’s lethal pace and precision yielded 3 crucial wickets, applying constant pressure and dismantling England’s middle order.
For his match-winning knock of 74 and steady presence at the crease, Carey was named the Player of the Match. His innings proved instrumental in setting a challenging target, and his performance earned high praise from teammates and pundits alike.
Also READ: Alex Carey, bowlers propel Australia to victory over England in 2nd ODI
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