Tom Curran turned in a star-making spell to end England’s triumphant one-day tour of Australia with a dramatic victory and spoil the grand opening of Perth’s new Optus Stadium.
Local boy Andrew Tye had positioned himself as a fitting hometown hero, taking five wickets as the tourists were dismissed for 259, but Curran saw his effort and trumped it with a nerveless five for 35 to seal a 12-run win for the tourists.
Eoin Morgan’s side had Joe Root’s industrious 62 to thank for mustering what became a winning total, with a 4-1 series win partially avenging their Ashes defeat.
Root’s unique method
In a 50-over game increasingly informed and influenced by Twenty20 cricket, many of the format’s premier batsmen favour fireworks at the crease. But Root claimed man-of-the-series honours here with a conspicuously different approach. There were just nine boundaries in his 226 runs – compared the 27 fours and six sixes in Jason Roy’s 250 – and a strike-rate of 82.48 is more tortoise than hare these days. But he has the priceless ability to read a game and bat appropriately and his solidity allows others to tee off.
Old habits die hard
It was tempting to look at the ultra-modern Optus Stadium – with its state-of-the-art lighting ring, broad concourses and towering banks of seating – as a nod to cricket’s future. Then, early in the second innings, came a reminder that human nature never changes: a streaker. The gentleman in question appeared to enjoy his moment but earned an unforgiving takedown, a three-year ban and a fine of £2,865 for his efforts.
Patience of a Jake
Nottinghamshire seamer Jake Ball lined up for the first Test of the Ashes and the final match of the 50-over series and did not feature in between. That meant a total of 62 days between appearances on a trying tour for the 26-year-old.
England players rejoice at the Optus Perth stadium in Perth.
Stat of the day
Only five players have turned out every match of the Test and ODI series over the winter, with Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali making every England side, while Steve Smith and David Warner were the sole mainstays for the hosts.
What’s next?
Feb 2: Prime Minister’s XI v England, T20 warm-up, Canberra
Feb 3: Australia v New Zealand, T20 Tri-series, Sydney