ENG vs AUS: Top five ODI encounters between the arch-rivals
The England-Australia rivalry is the oldest, yet the greatest in cricket history. The two commonwealth countries have the most interesting and celebrated Test series of the world, The Ashes. But the One Day Internationals between them are not far behind at all.
The Brits and the Aussies have been a part of several close encounters. The nail-biting finishes or the epic clashes in the World cups, England-Australia meetups are mouth-watering for the cricket fans. A much anticipated ODI series between them is again on its way after a long halt due to the pandemic. Let’s go through the Top 5 England-Australia ODI encounters:
1981, Australia won by 2 runs
It was the second match of the ODI series between the two rivals. England was 1-0 up in the 3-match series and the second match at Edgbaston looked under control for them as Mike Gatting was batting on 96 with just 5 runs needed to win. But Dennis Lillee, the Aussie great had different plans, first, he dismissed Gatting and with one just wicket left and 3 more runs to get in 2 balls, Lillee dismissed Hendricks to pull off one of the famous wins of the 20th century. The marvellous catch by Rod Marsh behind the stumps on the last ball is still credited for the close victory.
1987 WC Final, Australia won by 7 runs
The World Cup Final at Eden Gardens between the two arch-rivals was like a festival. In front of the huge crowd, Geoff Marsh, David Boon and Alan Border made sure that Australia reached a decent total of 254. In subcontinental conditions, chasing 254 was like climbing the Mt. Everest, however, the English team reached very near to their target. Bill Athey and skipper Gatting were the major heroes for the Brits, but they fell short by 7 runs and the Aussies clinched their first World Cup title.
2005, Tied ODI
The 2005 Ashes series was one of the greatest Test series ever and so was the NatWest trophy that followed it. The final, however, was the runaway winner as both the teams finished with the same score on the board. Australia bundled out at 196 with Mike Hussey being the highest scorer. An outstanding partnership between Paul Collingwood and Geraint Jones took England quite close to the finishing line. With 3 required off the last ball, a misfield by Brett Lee cost the game for the Australians as the Brits ran two runs and the match ended up as a tie.
2011, Australia won by 1 wicket
The 2nd ODI of the series started with a perfect tone at The Gabba for England. A century from Eoin Morgan and a fifty from Ian Bell took them to 300. The Aussies were quite confident after winning the Ashes 5-0. However, the situation didn’t turn out to be easy for the home side as Australia stood at 57 to get from 36 balls with just 1 wicket in hand. But James Faulkner was in the form of his life, he took the game away from The Three Lions single-handedly, as they won it with 3 balls left.
2018, England won by 1 wicket
After the ‘sandpaper saga’, Australia was up against England. They were already behind in the 5-match series by 4-0, but the last clash at Manchester turned out to be the most fascinating one. The Australians put up a total of 205 on the board. With 92 needed to win with 2 wickets in hand and England was almost out of the game. But one of the most exciting finishers, Jos Buttler played a gritty knock and took the game away from the visitors as he scored 110 not out and took the Brits home with 9 balls to spare.
