Johnson, Ferguson lift Australia
Monday, 7 September 2009
Australia were once again indebted to Callum Ferguson, as he held together an uncertain batting display with a brisk 55 from 58 deliveries, before a late dash from Mitchell Johnson, who belted 43 off 23, lifted them to 249 for 8 in the second one-day international at Lord's. England produced an effective bowling performance with Luke Wright sparking them into life courtesy of a sharp catch and two wickets during a lively spell, while Graeme Swann also impressed with two middle-order scalps, according to website cricinfo.
England used seven bowlers and all bar Paul Collingwood made an impression. The visitors were twice handily placed, initially after an opening stand of 62 between Shane Watson and Tim Paine and then again in 34th over when Cameron White and Ferguson had carried the score to 142 for 3. However, Ravi Bopara struck with his first ball to remove White and Australia had to delay their charge. Ferguson departed just as he was ready to put his foot on the gas having again showed his placement and scampering skills. As wickets subsided during the batting Powerplay it looked as though Australia might get bowled out, but the tail ensured they utilised all the overs.
Johnson played sensibly and still took advantage of the Powerplay restrictions to the effect that 40 runs came from the five overs even though wickets fell. His 43 included a couple of thunderous pulls and a wonderfully delicate flick-sweep off a low full toss from James Anderson. He added 41 from the last 4.2 overs with Nathan Hauritz and it was the visitors who left the field with a spring in their step.
Australia might have thought they'd done the hard work after being put into bat. As was to be expected with a 10.15am start in September there was early swing. Watson survived a huge lbw shout on 5 and could have been run out for 6 but Collingwood's kick missed the stumps. There would have been bucket-loads of irony had Collingwood's football skills worked, given the storm created by Joe Denly's knee injury following a tackle in training and the fact that the squad watched last night's international at Wembley.
Watson was keen to open his shoulders and drove powerfully against Tim Bresnan - recalled to the side after Stuart Broad was ruled out with a sore neck - but his shot was intercepted by Wright as he held a two-handed catch in mid-air. The dismissal was further frustration for Watson, who has played confidently during this tour without converting into a major score.
Scorecard
Australia innings
SR Watson c Wright
b Bresnan 34
TD Paine c Morgan
b Wright 26
CL White c †Prior b
Bopara 42
MJ Clarke c Prior
b Wright 4
CJ Ferguson b Anderson 55
MEK Hussey b Swann 8
JR Hopes lbw b Swann 11
MG Johnson not out 43
B Lee c Shah b
Sidebottom 0
NM Hauritz not out 10
Extras: (lb 8, w 8) 16
Total:
8 wickets; 50 overs) 249
England used seven bowlers and all bar Paul Collingwood made an impression. The visitors were twice handily placed, initially after an opening stand of 62 between Shane Watson and Tim Paine and then again in 34th over when Cameron White and Ferguson had carried the score to 142 for 3. However, Ravi Bopara struck with his first ball to remove White and Australia had to delay their charge. Ferguson departed just as he was ready to put his foot on the gas having again showed his placement and scampering skills. As wickets subsided during the batting Powerplay it looked as though Australia might get bowled out, but the tail ensured they utilised all the overs.
Johnson played sensibly and still took advantage of the Powerplay restrictions to the effect that 40 runs came from the five overs even though wickets fell. His 43 included a couple of thunderous pulls and a wonderfully delicate flick-sweep off a low full toss from James Anderson. He added 41 from the last 4.2 overs with Nathan Hauritz and it was the visitors who left the field with a spring in their step.
Australia might have thought they'd done the hard work after being put into bat. As was to be expected with a 10.15am start in September there was early swing. Watson survived a huge lbw shout on 5 and could have been run out for 6 but Collingwood's kick missed the stumps. There would have been bucket-loads of irony had Collingwood's football skills worked, given the storm created by Joe Denly's knee injury following a tackle in training and the fact that the squad watched last night's international at Wembley.
Watson was keen to open his shoulders and drove powerfully against Tim Bresnan - recalled to the side after Stuart Broad was ruled out with a sore neck - but his shot was intercepted by Wright as he held a two-handed catch in mid-air. The dismissal was further frustration for Watson, who has played confidently during this tour without converting into a major score.
Scorecard
Australia innings
SR Watson c Wright
b Bresnan 34
TD Paine c Morgan
b Wright 26
CL White c †Prior b
Bopara 42
MJ Clarke c Prior
b Wright 4
CJ Ferguson b Anderson 55
MEK Hussey b Swann 8
JR Hopes lbw b Swann 11
MG Johnson not out 43
B Lee c Shah b
Sidebottom 0
NM Hauritz not out 10
Extras: (lb 8, w 8) 16
Total:
8 wickets; 50 overs) 249