England
Ben Duckett Hundred – All Format Opener
England’s Left handed Opening Batsman, Ben Duckett has been in a fantastic vein of form across the English Cricketing Summer, and there was no exception in his final match of the English Summer. The 29 year old batsman hit an incredible 107 runs in 91 balls, in front of a packed out Bristol crowd, only to be stopped in his tracks by part time bowler, Travis Head. This was the 2nd time that Ben Duckett had scored over 100 in a One Day International match, with the previous hundred coming against Ireland in 2023. With England’s ever increasing schedule of matches, in various formats of the game, there is a convincing argument that Ben Duckett could be in line for a top tier Indian Premier League Contract, in the new year. The Indian Premier League is considered the most lucrative domestic Cricket league in the world, where the best players get paid a lucrative sum for a short term contract. Will this potential stint in the IPL aid Duckett in replicating his tremendous form in the next home summer against the West Indies.
Harry Brook Stand in Captain Review
Yorkshire’s Harry Brook has taken over the captaincy for the white ball ODI series against Australia, as current captain, Jos Butler had to withdraw due to a calf injury. This has also ruled him out from this year’s domestic tournament the Hundred. However, the stand-in captain has benefited as his batting average has skyrocketed to 78.00 which in comparison to his last 4 series is the highest by a substantial amount. This brings us the question ‘Is Harry Brook the favourite for the Next England Captain?’ On a gloomy afternoon in Bristol, Harry Brook strutted out in the 8th over of the first innings and batted in his “who cares?” manner once again, scoring 72 off 52 deliveries to further support his previous innings, scoring 110* in Durham. We saw the stylish number 4 ooze confidence as he struck 5 sixes through the midwicket region to bring up his 50 in 39 balls, having a particular liking to scoring against the experienced Australian leg spin Bowler Adam Zampa.
How can Brendon McCullum Revitalise this ODI Side?
With England losing this individual series vs Australia, and having a long winded fight against the autumn weather, there will be a sunnier sky approaching for the english cricket faithful. This specific sky is approaching in the form of Brendon McCullum, the England Test Match Coach, who has revitalised and re-energised the Nations Test Match team. There seems to be a lot more enthusiasm in the media towards having 1 coach again for all 3 international mens cricket teams, which showcases the importance of Brendan McCullum. Gone are the days of England being the best One Day International Side in the world, which to the fans perspective is somewhere they would love to be back again. Every sports fan always looks to the English summer for a festival of fun from the English cricket team!
Australia
Steve Smith back with the captaincy, Scoring the runs when it matters most in the series.
Australia’s current veteran Steven Smith plays a crucial knock to seal a series victory for Australia in a successful but cold campaign in rival country England. Steven Smith captained the Aussies due to Mitchell Marsh suffering from a sore back injury. Steven Smith was welcomed with a round of Boo’s as he walked out to bat whilst Australia firmly in pole position with the side on 78 of just 7.1 overs. Smith steadied the ship and steered his country to victory by contributing 36 of 48 deliveries.
Travis Head Bowling and securing 4 wickets – Another all rounder?
Australian ever present Travis Head had shocked many match going fans today, from both the Australian and English contingent, after impressing with his right arm off spin bowling. The 30 year old, Left Handed batsman shocked the Bristol Crowd by taking 4 wickets for only 28 runs, in just over 6 overs! Travis Head took the the crucial wicket of Ben Duckett, as this changed the complexion of the match, as England’s best batsman was gone, after scoring 107. For context, this is like watching a part time chef, cook up a Michelin Star meal, in a foreign kitchen! The incredible sight of watching an already experienced Australian Bowling duo, like the legendary Mitchel Starc and Josh Hazelwood who have a combined total of 371 One Day International Wickets, not take a wicket at all, whilst watching their team mate, who is primarily a batman, take 4 wickets against england in Bristol must have been astounding. Is this the change of momentum for Travis Head, moving from a primary upper order batsman, to a genuine all rounder?
