The 4th ODI between England and Australia at Lord’s on September 27, 2024, was not just a match but a cricketing spectacle that will be remembered for England’s sheer dominance. Here’s a rundown of the key highlights that defined this encounter:
England’s Batting Prowess
England, batting first after Australia won the toss and opted to bowl, set the tone early with an aggressive approach. Harry Brook, fresh off his maiden ODI century in the previous game, continued his form with a blazing 87 off just 58 balls. His innings was studded with 10 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate from the outset. Ben Duckett provided solid support with 63 runs, setting a platform that allowed England to accelerate.
The real fireworks came towards the end with Liam Livingstone’s cameo. Livingstone, known for his explosive batting, unleashed a 27-ball 62 not out, including four sixes in the final over bowled by Mitchell Starc, which became the most expensive over by an Australian in men’s ODIs. This onslaught propelled England to a formidable 312/5 in 39 overs, a score that seemed mountainous given the conditions.
Australia’s Batting Collapse
Chasing 313, Australia started with promise, thanks to Travis Head’s aggressive start, including a massive six over the Tavern Stand. However, the momentum quickly shifted. The England bowling attack, led by Matthew Potts with figures of 4-38, was relentless. Jofra Archer, making headlines for his pace and aggression reminiscent of his 2019 Ashes spell at Lord’s, added two crucial wickets, including a delivery to Mitchell Marsh that could be dubbed the ball of the series.
The Australian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with only Head and Marsh showing resistance. The rest of the batting order failed to adapt, leading to a collapse that saw Australia bowled out for just 126, handing England a victory by 186 runs. This defeat marked one of Australia’s heaviest losses in terms of runs against England in ODIs.
Key Moments and Performances
Harry Brook’s 87: His innings was not just about runs but the way he played, with an uppercut to deal with short-pitched deliveries and a straight drive to reach his fifty, showcasing his technical prowess and mental fortitude.
Livingstone’s Blitz: His 62 not out off 27 balls, especially the last over, not only demoralized Australia but also set a new benchmark for finishing innings in ODIs.
Bowling Heroics: Potts’s four-wicket haul and Archer’s spell, which included a delivery to Marsh that was unplayable, highlighted England’s bowling depth and variety.
The Crowd and Atmosphere: The Lord’s crowd, ever vocal, added to the drama, especially with reactions to moments like the contentious non-catch by Starc, reminiscent of last year’s Ashes, and the booing of Alex Carey, linking back to previous controversies.
The 4th ODI at Lord’s was more than just a game; it was a statement from England. They not only leveled the series but did so with flair, aggression, and strategic brilliance. This match will be remembered for England’s comprehensive victory, setting the stage for a thrilling decider in Bristol. The cricketing world watched as England, with Brook’s leadership and the team’s collective effort, turned the series around, making this ODI a highlight reel of cricketing excellence.
