Taylor celebrates after scoring his maiden ODI century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England batsman James Taylor scored his maiden ODI century to ensure his side did not give Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the third ODI in Manchester.

Taylor was well supported by opener Jason Roy and captain Eoin Morgan, who scored 63 ans 62 respectively, as England went on to thrash their arch-rivals by 93 runs.

Morgan would have been delighted with his decision to bat first as Roy set the foundations with his brilliant knock of 63, which came off 45 balls and included nine boundaries.

Roy hammered nine boundaries during his innings of 63

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Once Roy was dismissed, it was Morgan’s turn to make the Australians suffer as he smashed 62 off 56 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and a six.

Morgan’s excellent form with the bat continued

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

But, just when Australia seemed to have clawed their way back into the match by removing Morgan and ripping through England’s middle and lower order, Taylor launched his attack and ended up carrying England to 300/8 off their 50 overs with his career-best knock of 101, which came off 114 balls and included five boundaries.

Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell picked up two wickets apiece, while Mitchell Starc and debutant Ashton Agar chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 301 to win, Australia opener Aaron Finch and wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade were the only two batsmen to make valuable contributions with the bat.

Finch managed to score 53 off 60 balls, which included eight boundaries, while Wade made 42. With captain Steven Smith and batsman George Bailey being the next highest scorers with 25 runs apiece, it was no surprise that Australia fell well short of their target as they were bowled out for 207.

Finch made a gutsy 53

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Moeen Ali and Liam Plunkett took three wickets apiece, while Steven Finn and Adil Rashid claimed two wickets each.

Smith was disappointed with his side’s performance, and said: “They got a few too many, we [had] a few opportunities in the field. We dragged it back quite nicely. With the bat, the middle overs cost us. The wicket was getting a bit slower and it took a bit of spin. We’ll have to find ways to adapt. Thought Ashton bowled nicely on debut. And Maxwell has come a long way with his bowling. When you are chasing 300 you can’t get too far behind the rate.”

Morgan was relieved to have reduced the series deficit to 2-1, and said: “Very impressed. We impressed in the areas I asked the guys for. Jason Roy played his game, strong down the ground. Me and James Taylor managed to get a nice partnership going. Probably got 20-30 less than we would have liked, but we knew the pitch would play into our hands. We want guys to make match-winning contributions and James Taylor did that.

“I thought they [the spinners] were outstanding. We knew the new ball would set the tone because it was easier facing the new ball so Steve Finn was really impressive, then for the two spinners to bowl with such control I was not surprised but very impressed. There were some outstanding catches. [On Finn] He’s like a leaping salmon at midwicket. Known him since he was 15 and never seen a catch like that.”

Taylor was named Man of the Match, and said: “From a personal point of view it’s always nice to put in a match-winning performance. Conditions were tough, but Morgy played an exceptional knock which allowed me to knock it around. I knew I needed to kick on for the team, the man on my shoulder was telling me to play the big shot but I knew I couldn’t do that.”