Sports
Moeen Ali turns on the power as England overwhelm Bangladesh
England enjoyed a useful, if hyper-extended, workout under the Guwahati floodlights, as a three-hour rain delay and even a nearby earthquake couldn’t prevent the world champions from finalising their tournament plans in a high-octane run-chase against Bangladesh. The result, while immaterial, was secured with a blizzard of sixes from Moeen Ali whose 56 from 39 balls secured a four-wicket win with a hefty 77 balls remaining of their rain-reduced 37-over chase.
Bangladesh had their moments, particularly while Tanzid Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman were showing their ability with bat and ball in the powerplay, but ultimately they were overwhelmed by England’s unrelenting aggression. The tone of England’s attacking display was set by a bristling Jonny Bairstow who stretched his legs for 34 from 21 balls, in the manner that had been denied him during the “utter chaos” of England’s 38-hour trek to India’s eastern extremities.
Jos Buttler kept up the belligerent tempo to make 30 from 15 in his short and on-point visit to the crease, and though Liam Livingstone came and went tamely, by the time Moeen holed out with four runs to win, he’d launched six sixes into the Assam night to confirm his side will be striding confidently into this week’s tournament opener against New Zealand.
Of far more relevance than the result was the time in the middle for a host of cooped-up players, most particularly the 2019 veterans, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, who have both been wrapped in cotton wool for the past few weeks, and Joe Root, who remains short of form and confidence, but who survived a painful blow to the groin, as well as a grim error from Taskin Ahmed at deep backward square, to anchor the chase with an unbeaten 26 from 40 balls.
The contest duly finished some eight-and-a-half hours after the first ball had been bowled, but for a time, it had seemed that England’s preparations – across both this game and Saturday’s wash-out against India – would be limited to a 30-over work-out in the afternoon’s truncated action.
At least in that time, England were able to give a clean bill of health to nine members of their bowling attack, including all six of their frontline fast bowlers … although they are now about to be folded back up and stowed away once more in economy class for Tuesday’s flight to Ahmedabad.
Most crucial among those was Wood, England’s fastest and most ferocious point of difference, who had not been unleashed in a competitive environment since the end of July, ostensibly due to a bruised heel sustained during the Ashes. Not for the first time, he showed his explosive pace from the outset of his three-over burst, and should have claimed the wicket of both of Bangladesh’s most effective batters.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz anchored Bangladesh’s innings with a hard-earned 74 from 89 balls, but he should have fallen for 7, to the sixth ball of Wood’s return, when, after a tentative start to his knock, he fenced a lifter outside off but neither Buttler nor Root at first slip reacted in time to cling onto the edge.
However, Wood got his reward two overs later instead. Tanzid’s 45 from 44 balls at the top of the order had gone some way to confirming his readiness to fill the sizeable boots of Tamim Iqbal, but having picked off seven fours and a flamboyant six over deep midwicket off Reece Topley, he was caught in two minds as Wood fired a lifter across his bows, and inside-edged a tentative push onto his own stumps.
The first 20 overs of Bangladesh’s innings was an exclusive diet of seam, as England’s quicks each lined up for a short gallop, and showed their readiness for the main event through a combination of economy and incision, with only Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson going un-rewarded in their five-over contributions.
However, the other major plus for England was the return of Rashid, who missed the bulk of their recent series against New Zealand with a calf niggle. He showed no ill-effects after entering the attack in the 21st over of Bangladesh’s innings and struck twice in five overs to remove the veteran pairing of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah – the latter to a full-toss but the former to a brilliantly disguised googly that skidded into his stumps under an attempted cut.
When the rain arrived, it seemed that Bangladesh’s 153 for 5 in 30 overs would be the end of that. Instead, they returned – after one aborted restart – for seven further overs, in which the quicks got back into the action. Sam Curran struck with the first ball of his second spell, before both Topley and David Willey found themselves on hat-tricks, the former some five hours after luring Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, into a sketchy slice to deep third.
Topley’s display epitomised the combination of rustiness and raw threat that England are carrying into this tournament. His somewhat ropey first over went for 13, including a wide and two no-balls, but he swiftly hit back with the first ball of his second as Litton Das gloved a lifter down the leg-side to depart for 5 (although there were some doubts as to whether his hand was off the bat at the point of contact).
England’s reply was raucous from the outset. Dawid Malan, their in-form opener, caressed a poetic cut for a first-ball four, only to scuff his second from Mustafizur straight to slip. But Bairstow smashed four fours and a six in seven balls to turbo-charge the powerplay, with England’s 50 coming up inside four overs before Mustafizur powered a yorker past his toes to end the fun.
It took an even better ball from Hasan Mahmud to dislodge an ominously free-flowing Harry Brook. His four fours in a 15-ball 17 had all been stamps of raw class until he was bowled through the gate by a savage nipbacker on a tight off-stump line. Buttler then edged his second ball off Shoriful Islam low past the keeper before smoking his third high over extra cover for six – and as if to prove he was in no mood to stand on ceremony, he then top-edged his fifth over the head of Taskin, who could have had an easy catch had he been sitting back on the rope.
England’s only real concern remains the form of Root, who at least endured to the end of the chase, but rarely looked capable of raising his tempo in the manner that was coming so effortlessly at the other end. He should have holed out to Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 7 from 19, but that man Taskin once again over-ran his attempted catch at fine leg, then let the ball dribble over the rope too. Tellingly, that would be Root’s only boundary of his innings. Fortunately for England, Moeen and Co. had no such power failures to report.
Brief scores:
England 197 for 6 in 24.1 overs (Moeen 56, Mustafizur 2-23) beat Bangladesh 188 for 9 in 37 overs (Mehidy 74, Tanzid 45, Topley 3-23) by four wickets (DLS)
(Cricinfo)
President Sebastian Coe has confirmed at the culmination of his official visit to Jamaica that World Athletics will provide financial and technical support and resources to be distributed through the National Federation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
“During my time here, we have looked at how World Athletics and the International Athletics Foundation can best support redevelopment efforts both financially and through programmes delivered in conjunction with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), and with the support of NACAC Athletics, to help athletes continue to train and compete,” said Coe.
“The International Athletics Foundation will provide financial support of US$100,000, with the distribution of funding through an agreed process as per previous solidarity funds via the JAAA, and programme support focused on ensuring athletes from the impacted western side of the island can continue to train and compete in regional and global championships, including the CARIFTA Games in Grenada in April and the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA, in August.
“Our funding will be allocated to areas such as transport and accommodation to ensure impacted athletes have access to facilities for training and competition, and replacement of equipment, rather than infrastructure, considering that this is a local and national government responsibility.”
Coe also confirmed that World Athletics will support a new 5km road race to be launched in Jamaica with the President himself as Patron – with the objective of raising funds in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and encouraging the local population to benefit from becoming more active.
“We should not underestimate the power of sport, and especially athletics as the mother of all sports and Jamaica’s national pastime, to help the people overcome the challenges Hurricane Melissa has presented, and its role in helping to rebuild the nation, to help return to a semblance of normality, to re-energise the population, and to improve mental health and promote resilience in the face of such adversity,” added Coe.
On his official visit from 4-7 January, Coe made courtesy call visits to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Culture, Entertainment, Gender & Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding and Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, and visited the British High Commission, accompanied in each meeting by JAAA President Garth Gayle and other members of the JAAA Executive. Coe also met Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda and visited several schools and colleges to witness training and meet athletes and coaches.
“Jamaica is a nation synonymous with athletics and one of the powerhouses of our sport,” said Coe. “It is impossible to think of athletics without names like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, Yohan Blake or Elaine Thompson-Herah.
“From Jamaica to the world, this small island nation punches far above its weight on the international scene thanks not only to the natural talent of its athletes, but also the steady leadership provided by JAAA, which, along with the support of government and other stakeholders, has ensured the infrastructure is in place for generations of athletes to enter the pipeline to elite international level.
“Athletics is deeply embedded in Jamaican culture, driving high participation, public engagement and national unity. Their athletes serve as powerful global ambassadors, strengthening Jamaica’s international brand and soft power.
“Evident from my visits to local schools over the past days, I have seen for myself the rich talent pool that points towards a continued bright future for the sport in Jamaica as it looks to not only win more global titles but also build a broader participation base and host future World Athletics events.”
Coe also thanked Jamaica’s Usain Bolt for working with World Athletics on the promotion of the inaugural Ultimate Championship.
“For a number of years our sport was dominated by Usain – a colossal figure to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude,” he said. “Jamaica’s own son did so much to elevate our sport on a global scale, and we are delighted that Usain has agreed to support the promotion of our new global championship. We look forward to welcoming him and many Jamaican athletes to Budapest in September 2026.”
[World Athletics]
Usman Khawaja could not produce a fairy-tale finish to his Test career, but Australia overcame a fright to chase down the 160-run target at SCG and record a convincing 4-1 Ashes victory.
It wasn’t quite a grandstand ending, with Australia mostly in control despite some chaotic batting that was befitting of this rather baffling Ashes series that ultimately did not live up to the hype. But there was much theatre on the final day in what proved to be the best match of the series. Australia lost five wickets for 59 runs in their second innings but Alex Carey, a star performer this series, and the under-pressure Cameron Green combined for a 40-run stand to seal a five-wicket victory.
Australia appeared to be cruising at 62 for no loss before losing three quick wickets as England sniffed an opening. On the last day of his 88-Test career, Khawaja came to the crease with Australia at 92 for 3 just after lunch and still needing 68 runs for victory on a surface playing tricks.
He received a hug from his great mate Marnus Labuschagne and walked through a guard of honour from England’s team. But Khawaja lasted just seven balls and made just 6, knocked over by Josh Tongue, who finished with 3 for 42 from 11 overs and did ensure England fought hard at the end of what has been a wretched tour.
England’s bid for a late heist were slim and made even harder with skipper Ben Stokes – who did take the field – unable to bowl after injuring his right adductor earlier in the match.
Quite typically of this series, there was mayhem at the start of Australia’s chase with three lbw shouts in the first seven deliveries. England did burn a review when Travis Head got an edge to a yorker from Brydon Carse, who shared the new ball with Tongue after Stokes lost faith in Matthew Potts after his nightmare (0 for 141) in Australia’s first innings.
After an edgy start, Head resumed his domination of England and scored quickly without much fuss until the situation exploded in the ember of this series.
England were left aggrieved when their review of an edge against Jake Weatherald on 16 was unsuccessful despite a tiny spike on Snicko. But third umpire Kumar Dharmasena decided there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the decision as Carse engaged in a war of words with Weatherald amid heated scenes.
It loomed as a pivotal moment for Weatherald after a modest start to his Test career. Unruffled by the controversy, Weatherald and Head put the foot down as Australia sped to 57 after ten overs.
Head was in the mood to end things quickly, but on 29 he skied Tongue and was caught at midwicket. It ended Head’s remarkable series after moving up the order in Perth, finishing with 629 runs at 62.90 – the ninth-most by an Australian in an Ashes series.
Weatherald could not kick on and was caught at fine-leg off Tongue in the last over before lunch to ensure there will be plenty of debate over his position in the long break until Australia’s next Test series against Bangladesh in August.
After so much debate in the lead-up, the SCG surface did offer sharp turn in the backend of this match to revive memories of the ground’s traditional characteristics. Skipper Steven Smith was left stunned when he was bowled through the gate by a delivery that spun back sharply from offspinner Will Jacks, bringing Khawaja to the crease.
Jacks was proving a menace and Khawaja was lucky when he edged past Stokes at first slip before playing on to Tongue. Khawaja walked off after receiving another hug from Labuschagne and he performed the Sajdah on the SCG outfield before acknowledging the huge ovation from the fans.
The match suddenly sparked to life when Labuschagne, who was dropped by Jacob Bethell at backward point on 20, was run-out on 38 after a terrible mix-up with Carey. With Australia still needing 39 runs, Green came to the crease under much scrutiny but batted calmly before Carey sealed the victory with a boundary.
It ended a frenetic series that lasted just 18 days and was marred by some sloppy cricket. But Australia proved too experienced and too disciplined for an underprepared England, who did get better as the series wore on. Australia were far from blemishless through the series, with major question marks remaining over their batting order, but standout performances from Head, Carey and Mitchell Starc simply overwhelmed England.
Much like previous matches in this series, England will rue leaving first-innings runs on the table and on this occasion they didn’t capitalise on Joe Root’s brilliant 160.
Khawaja had started the day leading Australia on to the field, with an unknown if he would get the opportunity to bat again. England resumed their second innings at 302 for 8 with a lead of 119 runs as they eyed adding at least another 50 runs to make Australia nervous.
Their hopes rested on Bethell, who restarted on 142 after his magnificent display on day three when he registered his maiden first class century.
With the field well spread, Bethell manipulated the strike and cruised to 150 as Australia patiently waited for the second new ball. Bethell had an anxious moment on 151 when he was rapped on the pads by Scott Boland only to be given a reprieve by DRS when the ball tracker confirmed that it was going over the stumps.
The lead grew to 145 runs, but just when England started to get excited – like countless times this series – their hopes were crushed. Starc, of course, provided the key breakthrough when he finally removed Bethell who feathered an edge after being cramped on the cut. It was Starc’s 30th wicket for the series and the most by an Australian since Mitchell Johnson’s legendary 2013-14 Ashes series when he bagged 37 wickets.
Like several times the day before, the fans provided a rousing ovation to Bethell who trudged off extremely proud but knowing his dismissal had probably effectively ended England’s slim chances.
Having had a horrible time with the ball in his Ashes debut, Potts finally had some cheer when he swatted Boland for consecutive boundaries to get the lead over 150 runs. But Starc again snuffed out England when he removed Tongue and ensured Australia – as was later proven despite the wobbles – had a modest target to chase.
Brief scores:
Australia 567 (Travis Head 163, Steven Smith 138, Beau Webster 71*; Brydon Carse 3-130, Josh Tongue 3-97) and 161 for 5 (Marnus Labuschagne 37, Jake Weatherald 34; Josh Tongue 3-42) beat England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84; Michael Neser 4-60) and 342 (Jacob Bethell 154; Beau Webster 3-64, Mitchell Starc 3-72) by five wickets
[Cricinfo]
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