England’s Eoin Morgan made the most of a logistics mistake by Australia to blast a pulsating hundred in Friday’s second one-day international at the Gabba.
Morgan made 106 off 99 deliveries including six sixes as England made a competitive 8-296 in Brisbane, giving them hope of levelling the five-match series following defeat in last weekend’s series opener.
But the Irishman’s innings appeared over shortly after he’d got to the crease when he lashed a Michael Clarke (0-17) delivery straight to Glenn Maxwell at midwicket.
He was given not out, however, after correctly pointing out Australia had one too many fielders outside the circle for the power-play overs.
Morgan capitalised on the error, first combining with Ian Bell to steady the innings after three quick wickets had fallen before exploding at the end alongside Jos Buttler (45) to lift England to their total.
He and Bell, who made a solid 68, added 61 for the fourth wicket after England had slumped from 0-57 to be 3-78.
Off-spinner Maxwell removed Alastair Cook (22) and Gary Ballance (9) while returning paceman Mitchell Johnson continued Joe Root’s woes, trapping the youngster LBW for just two, a dismissal compounded by Root’s attempt to unsuccessfully review umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s call.
Clarke’s brilliant run-out of Bell and a soft dismissal of Ravi Bopara (24) appeared to leave England once again on the verge of losing their momentum before Morgan and Buttler combined in the final overs.
The pair added 113 off just 68 deliveries, with Morgan smashing his way to his sixth ODI ton – brought up with an audacious ramp shot – off just 94 deliveries with his second 50 taking only 24 balls.
Neither could see out the innings, both falling in the final overs but their incredible partnership ensured Australia would have to chase well to continue the tourists’ winless run.
Maxwell, with 2-31 off eight overs, was the pick of the bowlers for Australia with Nathan Coulter-Nile (2-55) and James Faulkner (2-73) expensive while Johnson’s dismissal of Root was his sole scalp as he finished with 1-55 off his 10 overs.
