Fast bowler Josh Tongue has been ruled out of England’s white-ball tour of Australia due to a toe injury. The seamer missed England’s 92-run warm-up victory over Western Australia on Saturday and will travel back to the United Kingdom to undergo further evaluation on his left big toe.
Archer and Rashid Return in Style
Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid delivered impressive performances upon returning to the squad in Perth. Archer, who sat out the recent ODI tri-series in Pakistan, finished with figures of 3-34 from eight overs. Meanwhile, Rashid claimed 4-35 from 7.3 overs after being largely overlooked during the Pakistan tour in favor of Liam Dawson, helping dismiss Western Australia for 159 in pursuit of a 252-run target.
With the bat, Ben Duckett maintained his strong form by top-scoring with 59 following consecutive centuries in the tri-series. However, captain Harry Brook’s side experienced a shaky batting display after winning the toss. Brook contributed 27, joining several top-order batters who made starts before getting out. The dismissal of Sam Curran for 12 in the 29th over left the tourists struggling at 150-6.
Valuable contributions from the lower order, including 34 from Will Jacks and an unbeaten 44 from Dawson, pushed England past the 200-run mark to a competitive total. England were eventually bowled out for 251 in 48 overs, with Brody Couch taking 4-47 and Lance Morris claiming 3-29 for the hosts.
Western Australia Run Chase and Upcoming Schedule
During the run chase, Western Australia struggled to mount a serious challenge against the target. Corey Wasley led the home side’s scoring with 41 runs, while Cameron Bancroft added 32. Elsewhere, fit-again Jacob Bethell was left out of the warm-up fixture as he proceeds with his recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him in July.
England now turn their attention to the upcoming series against Australia, which features three ODIs followed by five T20Is. The opening ODI takes place in Perth on Friday, November 13, starting at 3.30am UK time, with subsequent matches scheduled in Adelaide and Hobart before the T20 series begins in Melbourne on November 21.
