It wasn't a day to remember for the Australian cricket team and their supporters. England, who have been in great form over the last 18 months, stunned the tournament favourites with a performance that made people sit up and take notice of their return to winning ways.
They looked more competitive than their opponents, and fully deserved the victory and every single compliment that they got. With this win, England have bagged the 'bragging rights' well in advance of next year's Ashes series!
I was disappointed with the manner in which the Australians lost their way after being put in to bat. A pattern seems to have developed, wherein they lose two wickets in quick succession, and in the process, delay the process of consolidation.
A delightful cameo by Michael Clarke took the total past 250, but they finished atleast 20 runs short. After their recent performances, England would have backed themselves to achieve a target of 260 on a perfect batting pitch. A target in the region of 275-280 might have worried them a bit.
Batting-friendly pitches are a rule rather than the exception in one-dayers. They are prepared to suit batsmen and minimise the movement and nip that the quicker bowlers can extract. But the dry nature of these strips invariably helps spin bowlers. Unfortunately, Brad Hogg's knee injury rendered him unfit for this big game, and Australia had to go in without a specialist spinner.