Tom Banton Century and Gus Atkinson Bowling Lead England to 135-Run ODI Win Over Australia

OPA WIRE, Nov 15 (OPA) — Tom Banton scored a century and Sonny Baker and Gus Atkinson impressed with the ball as England's wildly inconsistent one-day team hammered Australia to set up a series decider. Banton scored a fine 121 – pushing his case for selection further with a second ODI hundred – in England's 355-6. After being knocked over for 131 two days ago in Perth, England's total was their highest in one-day internationals in Australia. Jordan Cox contributed 67 and Joe Root added 62 to anchor the innings.

And then their bowlers, who failed to defend 430 against Sri Lanka last month and were undone by an improbable last-wicket partnership against Pakistan, reduced Australia to 29-4 inside seven overs and easily closed out a 135-run victory. Atkinson used nip to nick off Travis Head for seven and also had both Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis caught behind, finishing with career-best figures of 4-28. Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with 64 and Matt Renshaw added 63, but the hosts were bowled out in 44.3 overs.

The win ends a seven-match losing run against Australia across formats in Adelaide and a run of six consecutive defeats by Australia in 50-over cricket away from home. But, more significantly, it corrects their course after damaging defeats against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Australia and offers positives going into the decider on Wednesday in Hobart. Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised Banton's performance, stating that the batter has all the time and strokes to succeed at the international level.

Despite the convincing margin, England's fielding was imperfect as the team dropped four catches during Australia's innings. Sam Curran picked up two late wickets, including bowling Jack Edwards, to provide a morale boost after a difficult run of form. Both sides now turn their attention to the series finale in Hobart, where England will attempt to secure consecutive wins and claim the series.