AARON Finch has smashed another century to again rescue Australia, after the hosts were rocked by another pair of cheap dismissals from star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner in the second one-dayer against England.
For the second time in a week, Finch has blasted a century against England – notching his tenth ODI ton – as Australia posted an underwhelming target at the Gabba.
The hosts finished 9-270, with Cameron White unbeaten on 15 and Andrew Tye run out on the final ball for 8.
England is 1-15 in reply after three overs, with Alex Hales on 9 and Jonny Bairstow on 4.
Jason Roy, who blasted 180 in the first ODI, was caught at short midwicket for two in the first over from Mitchell Starc.
Earlier, Australia once again failed to make the most of a strong foundation. Having gambled on late runs, the hosts were 3-209 in the 40th over when Mitchell Marsh was stumped for 36 off Adil Rashid. Finch fell shortly after for 106, leaving Australia in major trouble with a big first-innings total essential on a good batting deck at the Gabba.
Marcus Stoinis came and went cheaply, caught behind off Rashid for four – as did Mitchell Starc (3).
Debutant Alex Carey played a lovely knock, before falling victim to a stunning run-out from Chris Woakes – who kicked the ball onto the stumps soccer-style to send the wicketkeeper on his way for 27.
Finch and Warner put on 68 for the opening wicket before the vice-captain was out caught at first slip by Joe Root off Moeen Ali for 35 from 40 balls.
Smith added just 18 before he was trapped LBW to Joe Root in a huge blow to the home side.
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Smith was unconvinced, calling for a review – but was not saved by the third umpire, with replays showing the ball would’ve clipped leg stump.
Travis Head’s woeful ODI form continued with a shocking, soft dismissal – bunting a simple return catch to Root to be sent packing for 7.
“That’s not good enough,” noted England great Kevin Pietersen of Head’s dismissal.
Australia. looking to reverse a horror run of ODI form and bounce back from a first-up beating, entered the clash with a new gloveman to help them level the series, a fresh fast bowler and a familiar face who is back from the wilderness.
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will miss having been struck down by the gastro bug which has swept through the Australian camp and in-form former AFL prospect Alex Carey will take his place.
Jhye Richardson has also come in, in place of the ill Josh Hazlewood, while Cameron White has returned to the middle order in place of Adam Zampa.
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