Australia continued their dominance in the five-match ODI series against England, securing a comfortable 68-run victory in the second game on Saturday, September 21, at Headingley, Leeds. After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook opted to bowl first, hoping to restrict Australia to a modest total. Despite early breakthroughs, Australia posted a competitive score of 270 before being bowled out in the 45th over. England’s efforts to chase down the target fell short as Australia’s bowling unit, led by the fiery Mitchell Starc, ripped through the English lineup.

Mitchell Starc’s devastating spell and key wicket of Harry Brook

England’s chase started on a cautious note, with openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett providing a solid platform. However, the breakthrough came when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Salt for 12 in the fifth over.  Starc’s devastating spell followed, sending Will Jacks back to the pavilion for a golden duck. In the next over, Starc produced a stunning dismissal of Brook with a perfectly executed yorker.

Starc, known for his lethal inswingers, angled most of his deliveries across the England skipper before delivering a slinging, full-length ball that swung sharply into Brook’s back leg. The umpire raised his finger for an LBW, but Brook opted for a review. Nevertheless, in the replay, Ultra Edge confirmed there was no bat involved, and ball tracking showed it crashing into the leg stump. The review was unsuccessful, and Brook had to walk back to the pavilion. This was a textbook set-up by Starc, who varied his lines to create uncertainty before unleashing the perfect inswinger. Brook’s brief innings ended with just 4 runs off 9 balls, including one boundary, as England slumped to 46/3.

Here’s the video:

Back in the 𝒔𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 of things 🤩

Mitchell Starc with an unplayable in-swinging yorker to dismiss English Captain Brook 👌#ENGvAUSonFanCode pic.twitter.com/WoOQZ9izJc

— FanCode (@FanCode) September 21, 2024

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England collapse under pressure as Australia secures victory

England’s middle order crumbled under Australia’s relentless bowling, with Liam Livingstone fell for golden duck, leaving the hosts reeling at 65/5. Despite a 55-run partnership between Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell, Starc’s deadly yorkers and Hazlewood’s pinpoint accuracy dismantled the English chase, leading to a comprehensive defeat. Earlier, Australia set a challenging total of 270, anchored by Mitchell Marsh’s solid 60 and Alex Carey’s explosive 74 off 67 balls. Brydon Carse stood out for England, claiming three wickets, but Australia’s middle-order resistance proved too strong for the hosts.

Looking ahead: 3rd ODI at Seat Unique Riverside

With a commanding 2-0 lead, Australia has firmly placed themselves in the driver’s seat in this series. England will now need to regroup and strategize before the third ODI, which is scheduled to take place on September 24 at Seat Unique Riverside. The hosts will be looking for a strong comeback to keep the series alive, while Australia will aim to clinch the series victory with another dominant performance.

Also READ: Alex Carey, bowlers propel Australia to victory over England in 2nd ODI

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