ODI Australia vs England Feb 6th 2011

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the ODI between Australia and England at the WACA on Sunday. It was the final match in the series and with Australia already leading 5-1 they rested a star (Shane Watson) and a non-star (Michael Clarke). I was hopeful that there would be some young talent on display due to the two vacancies. England had their own injury concerns and were down a few stars. Cricinfo has the result here.

Had a great spot in the Willow Lounge in the Prindiville Stand so the day was very well catered for. The view of the pitch was excellent also. I thought that the Aussies batted too slowly early on and were 15~20 runs short of par with their total of 279. David Hussey and Adam Voges, who must have told his wife that he was playing golf to allow him to play for his country, put on a great partnership and got Australia back into the game.

England started badly, with Shaun Tait bowling a beast of a delivery to Andrew Strauss second ball, and then lost another wicket in the following over. Just when it looked like Kevin Pietersen, whom I considered to be in imperious form, got out following my thought England began to struggle. Michael Yardy batted really well and even tonked Doug Bollinger for six which I captured on video.


Michael Yardy hits Doug Bollinger for six.

I had a great day which finished early in the evening. Australia won by 57 runs as England fell short. We'll see what the World Cup brings in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh though.

All afternoon we could see smoke coming from the hills around Perth. Latest count is some 72 houses destroyed and 32 damaged. All this started by a guy with an angle grinder. I'm glad no-one was killed but feel for the people who have lost their homes through no fault of their own.

ODI Australia vs England 6.2.2011 photo album on Facebook.