Cricket: Eoin Morgan puts Aussies to the sword

Published on 30/06/2012 01:24

A SWASHBUCKLING 89 not out from Eoin Morgan proved crucial as England beat Australia by 15 runs in the first one-day international at Lord’s on Friday. Steven Finn and Stuart Broad both took 2-47 as England produced a stifling fielding display to dismiss Australia for 257-9 and take a 1-0 lead in the five-game series.

“I think we were quite comfortable,” Morgan said. “The only worry was the wicket was a lot better with the sun that had been on it in the afternoon, but the control the guys have in the team is fantastic and they bowled really well.”

Australia captain Michael Clarke hit 61 from 67 balls with a six and six fours, while David Warner made 56 from 61 balls, also with one six and six fours, but after cruising to 96-1, the tourists lost wickets at regular intervals and fell too far behind the run rate.

“England deserve a lot of credit, they played really well,” Clarke said. “We probably let them get 20 runs too many and then we lost wickets in our innings at crucial times.”

Earlier, England posted 272-5, with Morgan’s innings, which included four sixes and five fours, proving the difference between the sides.

Jonathan Trott hit 54 from 70 balls, while Clint McKay was the pick of Australia’s bowlers with figures of 1-43, after the tourists won the toss and chose to field in overcast and damp conditions.