Australia went another step towards getting over their home Ashes 2010/11 humbling at the hands of England by recording their second victory in the second One Day International at Hobart, Tasmania.
Led by a Shaun Marsh (110) century, Australia piled on 230 runs from 48.2 overs, before taking England out for just 184 in 45 overs, giving them the victory by 46 runs.
Marsh (110) at number six was a stand out man with the bat for the hosts, though Cameron White made a solid contribution with 45, and Bollinger produced a vital late 30 runs to push them into difficult territory on a pitch that was offering England’s bowlers a little the whole time.
Tremlett was the pick of the England bowlers, very economical for his 3 wickets for 22 runs off 9.2 overs, while Bresnan (2 for 37), Shahzad and, to a lesser extent, Yardy (2 for 61) all bowled well.
Strauss (19), Trott (32), Bell (32), Morgan (21) and Yardy (22) all got starts for the tourists, so will be disappointed that none were able to recreate Marsh’s heroics and push them closer to the Australian total. England’s Kevin Pietersen (0) will be particularly displeased to have been bowled for a Golden Duck by Bollinger, at a time when a good score could have set up a win.
Australia were good value for the victory, however, and their bowlers once again showed discipline, though it was Bollinger, who was also a help with the bat, who took the lion’s share of wickets with excellent figures of 4 for 28 off 9.0 overs.
The teams do battle in the third ODI in Sydney, where Australia will be hoping to wrap up the series win at the first attempt. England need a win to stand any chance of pulling this ODI series round, so expect a cracking atmosphere at the SCG on Sunday.
