HEADINGLEY: Australia secured a 68-run victory over England in the second ODI at Headingley, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey played a crucial role, scoring a quick 74 and lifting Australia to a competitive total of 270 after they were struggling at 221-9.
Carey’s performance was pivotal as he dominated a 49-run last-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood, ensuring Australia reached a respectable score. In response, England’s batting lineup faltered, collapsing to 65-5 early in their chase. Despite a brief resistance from Jamie Smith, who scored 49, England were bowled out for 202 in just under 40 overs.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who missed the first match due to illness, were instrumental in dismantling England’s top order. Starc took 3-50, including a stunning yorker to dismiss captain Harry Brook for just four, while Hazlewood claimed 2-54. Aaron Hardie also made a strong impact, taking two wickets in two balls, including Ben Duckett for 32 and Liam Livingstone for a golden duck.
Earlier, Australia’s top order struggled, with captain Mitchell Marsh being the only other significant contributor, scoring 60 off 59 balls. Travis Head, who made an unbeaten 154 in the previous match, managed only 29 before being caught in the deep.
England’s bowlers, led by Jacob Bethell and Matthew Potts, made regular breakthroughs, but they couldn’t finish off Australia quickly enough. Carey, coming in lower down the order, counterattacked with a series of boundaries and big hits to bring up his fifty. His late flourish, including three sixes, proved decisive as Australia posted a challenging total.
This victory marks Australia’s 14th consecutive ODI win, approaching their record of 21 straight wins set by the 2003 World Cup-winning team. The series continues at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, with Australia aiming to seal the series and extend their winning streak.
