Tom Banton scored a brilliant century and fast bowlers Sonny Baker and Gus Atkinson impressed as England bounced back to defeat Australia by 135 runs in the second one-day international in Adelaide. Banton posted 121 as England compiled a total of 355-6, their highest ever one-day international score in Australia, before bowling out the hosts for 220 to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Bowlers Deliver Impressive Performance
England’s bowling attack reduced Australia to 29-4 inside seven overs and secured a comprehensive victory that ended a seven-match losing streak across formats in Adelaide. Baker, brought into the team for Jamie Overton, found significant swing with the new ball and removed Australia captain Mitchell Marsh for two, caught high at slip by Joe Root. Atkinson utilized his pace to dismiss Travis Head for seven for the second consecutive match, while also accounting for Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis caught behind. Atkinson finished with career-best figures of 4-28.
England missed four catches during the innings, allowing Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green to score 63 and 64 respectively. However, Sam Curran claimed two wickets in two balls—bowling Jack Edwards with a slow delivery—while Liam Dawson took 2-41 after being selected ahead of Adil Rashid, and Green was stumped when the ball deflected off Jordan Cox’s shin onto the stumps.
Banton and Cox Shine with the Bat
Opening the batting in place of the injured Jacob Bethell, Banton recorded his second ODI hundred in nine innings. The 28-year-old right-hander recovered after being struck on the helmet early on by Spencer Johnson to target the short square boundaries with his pull shot. He shared a steady and important 137-run partnership with Joe Root, who contributed 62 runs, following the early dismissal of Ben Duckett for nine.
Captain Harry Brook fell for five attempting a ramp shot, but Cox and Will Jacks accelerated the scoring in the latter stages. Cox scored 67 from 49 balls with a mix of drives, cuts, scoops, and pulls—including a reverse scoop for four off Xavier Bartlett—while Jacks finished unbeaten on 54 as England added 110 runs in the final ten overs.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Banton’s recent form, noting that the opening role has suited the batter well. The series decider is scheduled for Wednesday in Hobart.
