Perth– Glenn Maxwell missed his maiden One Day International century but his career-best 95 helped Australia overcome a wobbly start and post 278 for eight against England in the final of the tri-series at the Waca on Sunday.
Put into bat, Australia were reeling at 60 for four in the 18th over but Maxwell found an able ally in Mitchell Marsh (60) and the duo added 141 runs in 23.2 overs to rebuild the innings.
Down the order, James Faulkner blasted an unbeaten 24-ball 50 to give Australian bowlers a strong total to defend.
The hosts lost opener Aaron Finch even before they could open their account and David Warner became James Anderson’s second victim in the seventh over.
In-form Steve Smith, however, batted confidently until off-spinner Moeen Ali exhibited his newly-developed habit of claiming crucial breakthroughs.
Smith returned having contributed 40 of Australia’s 60 runs at that stage but the Maxwell-Marsh partnership allayed the fears of a batting capitulation with some aggressive cricket.
Maxwell displayed his wide array of shots, both conventional and cheeky, in his belligerent knock, bringing up his ninth 50 with a reverse paddle that raced to the boundary.
The right-hander hit four boundaries in a Chris Woakes over before falling to Stuart Broad in the next, while Marsh was run out soon after, paying the price for a late decision to go for a second run.
After their departure, Faulkner provided the late assault, smashing four sixes, including three in the same Woakes over and the other in the final delivery to bring up his 50. – Reuters