Morgan was named Man of the Match for his game-winning knock of 92
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
England captain Eoin Morgan scored 92 to not only lead his side to a three-wicket win in the fourth ODI at Headingley, but also ensure that they stayed alive in the series by bringing themselves level at 2-2.
For England, their third-highest successful run chase in ODI history marks an incredible comeback as Australia raced out to a 2-0 lead after winning the first two ODIs.
Even though Morgan and his team-mates stole the spotlight for winning the fourth ODI, Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, batsman George Bailey and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade all deserve some credit as they made 85, 75 and 50 not out respectively.
Australia captain Steven Smith would have been regretting his decision to bat first as he, Joe Burns and Aaron Finch were all dismissed by David Willey early on.
However, Maxwell and Bailey turned things around with their 137-run partnership before Maxwell was clean bowled by Moeen Ali for 85 off 64 balls, which included 10 boundaries and two sixes.
Maxwell made a gutsy 85
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Bailey proceeded to score 75 off 110 deliveries, which included six boundaries and a six, before he was caught and bowled by Liam Plunkett just two balls after Mitchell Marsh was dismissed for 17.
Bailey scored his 17th ODI half-century
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Despite losing Maxwell and Bailey, Australia were given a major boost towards the end of their innings as Wade and John Hastings, who had not played an ODI since August 2011, amassed an unbeaten 84-run stand to lead Australia to 299/7 off their 50 overs.
Wade finished on 50 off just 26 balls, which included three boundaries and three sixes, while Hastings remained undefeated on a career-best 34 off 26 deliveries, which included three boundaries and two sixes.
Wade’s blitz at the end of the innings went in vain
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Willey was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Ali and Plunkett chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Chasing 300 to win, England got off to a poor start as opening batsman Alex Hales was given out lbw off the bowling of Pat Cummins for a duck.
However, James Taylor and Jason Roy steadied the innings with their knocks of 41 and 36 respectively. Following their dismissals, Morgan and Ben Stokes began to take over and punished the Australian bowling attack until Stokes was cleaned up by Marsh for 41.
Morgan was the next to go as he was the victim of a jaw-dropping catch by Maxwell at point off the bowling of Cummins. The England skipper ended up scoring 92, which came off 92 balls and included eight boundaries and two sixes.
Despite losing Jonny Bairstow to a review by Australia and Plunkett to yet another eye-popping catch by Maxwell, England managed to get across the finish line with 10 balls to spare.
Cummins was the most successful bowler with four wickets, while Marsh snapped up two and Maxwell claimed one.
Smith was disappointed to have allowed England to claw their way back into the series, and said: “It was around par I thought but with our bowling we didn’t get enough balls in the right areas. The first and last balls of overs often went for four. It did a little bit this morning, similar to Lord’s, we’ve just got to be a little more watchful and make sure we have wickets in the shed for the late onslaught. It’s a final now, both teams have to turn up and play and we’ll be up for the channels. We’ll have to play their spinners better. The boys have to pick themselves up and make sure they are ready to go.”
Morgan, who was named Man of the Match, was thrilled with his side’s performance, and said: “A hugely significant victory. To come out and have contributions from the majority of the team was a great chase. Always comforting having guys down the order who can play well and have experience.”