Ranking the best ODI clashes between Australia and England
What's the story
Title holders Australia would be taking on hosts England in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Thursday. Having already beaten England in the league game, Australia do have an upper hand. England will draw inspiration from their recently found momentum. With a rich rivalry between the sides, let us have a look at their top ODI clashes to date.
World Cup
Aussies tame English to win their first World Cup
The first clash that would come to anyone's mind is the 1987 World Cup final. Batting first, Australia posted a total of 253/5, courtesy David Boon's 75, while a cameo by Mike Veletta (31-ball 45) helped them a lot. In reply, Steve Waugh and Allan Border's two wickets each, coupled with tight bowling, pushed England onto the backfoot, as Aussies won by 7 runs.
2006-07
England trump Australia in two consecutive finals
England managed to tame the Aussies, away from home, in a clinical fashion during 2006-07 tri-nation series. Having come off a commanding win in the first final, England posted an average total of 246/8 in Sydney. However, rain made things easier for England, as the target was revised to 187 from 27. Liam Plunkett picked three crucial wickets as England won the series.
2014
James Faulkner earns Australia a miracle win
This one is always talked about. England had posted a total of 300/8, courtesy Eoin Morgan's 106. In reply, Australia were struggling at 244/9, when all-rounder James Faulkner played a blistering innings of 69. He changed the entire complexion of the game in the final three, as they managed to win by a wicket, with three balls to spare.
2004 CT
England knock out Australia in ICC Champions Trophy semis
It was in 2004 when Australia were playing their first major tournament since their 2003 World Cup win. As they came across hosts England in the semis, the latter utilized the conditions to the fullest. Courtesy of Damien Martyn's 65, Australia posted a total of 259/9. However, Marcus Trescothick, Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss made a mockery of the bowling.
2018
England annihilate Australia after posting record ODI total
It was last year when England came up with a world record total of 481/6, courtesy Jonny Bairstow (139) and Alex Hales (147). Australia, naturally, succumbed to the pressure and were bundled for 239, as Adil Rashid 4/47 proved to be extremely lethal. No Australian batsman could score even a fifty. Notably, England whitewashed Australia in the five-match series.