Going hard from the start may be part of the mythology surrounding the England team at the moment, but they certainly finished strong as they posted a formidable 342/7 in the second ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Sent into bat, it was an early struggle for England as the Proteas bowled well and enjoyed plenty of movement in the field as well as good bounce. The tourists could only post 42/2 in the first powerplay, 10-overs, as the impressive Lungi Ngidi bowled Jason Roy (9) through the wicket with a fine delivery and Wayne Parnell trapped Dawid Malan lbw for 12.
England then slipped to 82/3 when Ben Duckett (20) bowled off spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Impetus wanted
But the middle order responded decisively in favor of England while controlling the proceedings. Harry Brook, playing only his second ODI, made a duck in the first, providing the impetus England wanted with a feisty 80 off just 75 balls.
Jos Buttler then produced the captain’s innings which could not be completed in the first ODI, batting through to the end of the innings and stroking a brilliant 94 not out from 82 deliveries. Buttler hit eight fours and three sixes and his partnership of 106 from 86 balls with Moeen Ali, whose hard-hitting 51 off just 45 deliveries, ensured England would get a good score.
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Buttler survived a dropped catch on 41 when a lofted drive burst through the hands of bowler Maharaj, a wicket South Africa really wanted at that stage.
Sam Curran then provided the finish England wanted with 28 off just 17 balls.
Parnell (10-1-54-1) was South Africa’s best bowler, while Ngidi, who got just 28 runs in the first seven innings, was unfortunately hammered for 39 runs in the last two innings.
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