In an explosive encounter at Lord’s Cricket Ground, England stormed back to level the series 2-2 with a crushing 186-run victory over Australia in the fourth ODI. The rain-affected game reduced to 39 overs per side, saw England pile up a mammoth total of 312/5. In response, Australia crumbled under pressure, being bowled out for just 126 in 24.4 overs.
England’s Batting Firepower Sets the Stage
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, England’s top order went on a rampage against the Australian bowling attack. Leading the charge was captain Harry Brook, who smashed a sensational 87 off just 58 balls. Brook’s innings, laced with 11 fours and a six, set the tone for England’s massive total. He was well-supported by Ben Duckett, who made a steady 62 off 62 balls, and Liam Livingstone, who played a blistering knock of 63* from 27 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 2 fours.
Australia’s bowling attack had no answers to England’s aggressive approach. Mitchell Starc had a tough outing, leaking 70 runs in his 8 overs without picking up a wicket. Sean Abbott also struggled, conceding 62 runs in his 7 overs. Adam Zampa, although expensive, managed to take 2 wickets, while Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood grabbed one wicket each.
Australia’s Batting Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 313 in 39 overs, Australia’s batting line-up collapsed like a deck of cards. Despite a promising start from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who gave Australia hope early on, their dismissals triggered a complete collapse. England’s bowlers were relentless, with Matthew Potts leading the charge. Potts bowled brilliantly, taking 4 wickets for just 38 runs in his 8 overs.
Brayden Carse was equally impressive, picking up 3 wickets for 36 runs in 6 overs, while Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid chipped in with 2 and 1 wicket, respectively.
Australia was bowled out for 126 in just 24.4 overs, handing England a dominant 186-run victory. The win not only leveled the series at 2-2 but also sets up a thrilling decider, which will be played on Sunday, September 29.
