At the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday for the third and final one-day international of the series, Australia defeated a worn-out England by 221 runs thanks to dominant innings from Travis Head and David Warner. Australia won the series 3-0. At the same location where they won the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this month, England’s lengthy tour came to an end with a humiliating loss after losses by six wickets in Adelaide and 72 runs in Sydney.
In a rain-shortened match that was limited to 48 overs, Australia amassed a formidable 355-5 thanks to Head’s 152 and Warner’s 106; their 269-run stand ranked seventh among all opening partnerships in 50-over cricket and was the largest at the MCG. With a DLS-adjusted target of 364 to win, England was left with a daunting score that they never seemed likely to reach against a focused attack headed by pacemen Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa’s spin.
Intriguing events were also witnessed during the contest. After 45.2 overs, Australia was 324-3 and Olly Stone (4/85) of England bowled at Steve Smith. Smith tried a ramp-scoop in response to the short ball. As the ball travelled to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, there was a slight edge. Smith, though, remained the umpire. Paul Wilson made no noise. Before deciding to use the DRS, Buttler took some time to consider his options before saying, “Howzzat?” Wilson immediately disqualified Smith for being caught behind at this point.
What you waiting, what you waiting for?
‘Blocker’ Wilson wants to hear ‘howzat?’ before triggering Steve Smith! #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/jumvhOTiZy
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2022