Harry Brook, the captain of England in the current ODI series against Australia, attributed the team’s lack of experience following the defeat in the second ODI on Saturday, September 21, at Headingley, Leeds. Australia was bowled out for 270 in 44.4 overs after being put to bat first, with Alex Carey top-scoring with 74 (67).
In response, Jamie Smith top-scored for England with 49 runs in 40.2 overs, as they were all out for 202. After the game, Brook discussed how losing wickets in the powerplay hurt his team’s chances of winning and complimented his bowlers for keeping the opponent to 270 runs.
“I believe we bowled well enough to limit them to 270. Bowling is hard in Headingley. The chase was disastrous as we lost a few wickets during the powerplay. (During the final-wicket partnership) The bowler set out to get the number eleven on strike because it is difficult to contain the strike when they get early boundaries in the over. Thought I couldn’t have done much differently,” Brook remarked during the post-game press conference.
Speaking ahead of time, Brook lamented not having the luck on their side and attributed the team’s inexperience as one of the reasons for the defeat.
“We can hit the ball well. We have one of the best sides in the world up against an inexperienced side. We have accomplished all we set out to do, so there are a lot of positives to take away,” he continued. “It’s just that things haven’t gone our way.”
Australia leads the series 2-0.
After being reduced to 65/5 in 9.3 overs while chasing a moderate total, Jamie Smith (49 off 61) and Jacob Bethell contributed 55 runs for the sixth wicket. It didn’t work out to be sufficient to push them over the edge, though. With their backs against the wall and a 0–2 deficit in the series, England will be eager to win the next three games.
In the third ODI, which is scheduled to take place at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, September 24, Brook and his team will be hoping for an incredible comeback.
