3rd ODI
Alex Carey and Steve Smith has played a brilliant innings to take Australia team to 304/7
Australia scored 304/7 in 50 overs vs England.
Alex Carey scored his second consecutive half-century, once again extinguishing top-order collapses to propel Australia to 304/7 in the third ODI at Chester-le-Street.
Steve Smith also contributed a half-century, albeit at a slower pace, as England’s bowlers maintained control for most of the innings, especially in conditions favoring quicks.
However, Australia capitalized on the death overs, with Aaron Hardie and Carey adding 104 runs from the last 60 balls to push their total past 300.
Australia had a sluggish start, as England’s pace trio of Jofra Archer, Matthew Potts, and Brydon Carse made the most of the swinging conditions.
With Travis Head absent, Mitchell Marsh opened but failed to make a significant impact, falling just after the Power Play.
Earlier, Archer, back in place of Olly Stone, removed Matthew Short in the fourth over to put Australia under early pressure.
Steve Smith and Cameron Green led the recovery with a steady third-wicket partnership.
Green began to find his rhythm, taking on spinners Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell.
Will Jacks also came under pressure as Green struck two boundaries in his first over.
However, Bethell broke the stand in his third over, as Green mistimed a shot straight to short mid-on—a strategically placed fielder.
Jacks, continuing his spell, claimed Marnus Labuschagne’s wicket with a paddle sweep attempt that resulted in a faint edge to the keeper.
At 132/4 in the 28th over, Alex Carey once again took on the role of stabilizer.
Smith reached his patient half-century but couldn’t capitalize, falling to Archer in a crucial moment before the death overs.
Credit also went to Carse, who pulled off a spectacular catch at deep backward square to dismiss Smith.
Australia’s lower order found new life through their all-rounders.
Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a quickfire 30 off 25 balls before Aaron Hardie unleashed a blistering 44 off 26 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes.
Carey, anchoring the innings, shifted gears in the final stretch, scoring 42 off 26 balls in the last 10 overs.
He remained unbeaten on 77, ensuring Australia set a challenging total, giving their five-pronged seam attack a strong foundation to defend and secure the series.
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