england vs australia: Tom Banton hits 121 in Adelaide as 137-run stand with Root sets up England

In the england vs australia three-match ODI series, England opener Tom Banton struck a fine century in the second match at Adelaide Oval today, Sunday 15 November. His 121 and a 137-run second-wicket partnership with Joe Root gave Harry Brook's side the platform for a big total in a game they must win to keep the series alive.

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Toss and team changes

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. Young fast bowler Mahli Beardman, the hero of the opening match, was rested for this game. England brought in pace bowler Sonny Baker.

The visitors did not start well. Ben Duckett fell early in the innings, which brought the experienced Joe Root to the crease to rebuild alongside Banton.

The Banton-Root partnership

The pair added 137 for the second wicket. That stand lifted England out of early trouble and handed them control of the innings. Banton did most of the attacking while Root held the other end together.

• Tom Banton: 121, his second ODI century.
• Joe Root: 62, dismissed by Cooper Connolly.
• Captain Harry Brook went cheaply to fast bowler Riley Meredith.

In Perth the whole England side managed only 131. In Adelaide, Banton alone came close to that figure. After the batting collapse in the opener, this innings is a big relief for the tourists.

Australia pulled things back a little after the two set batters fell. Still, reports from several outlets say England remain on course for a large total.

The Perth setback

England's response matters because the series began so badly for them. In the first ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth, they were bowled out for just 131. Beardman took 6 wickets on his ODI debut, and Australia chased the small target easily to win by 7 wickets.

After that match, Brook admitted his batters had prepared well but had not executed their skills well enough in the middle. He said England wanted to bounce back in Adelaide.

Why the series matters

For England this tour is more than a bilateral series. The team sees it as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. In a report by the ICC, Root said the side must become better at adapting to different conditions before the World Cup.

What happens next

England's innings is in progress in Adelaide, after which Australia will chase. A home win would seal the series with a match to spare. An England win would level it at 1-1. This report will be updated when the result is known.

• Third and final ODI: Wednesday, 18 November, Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
• After the ODIs, the two teams play a T20 series.

Sources

This report was prepared by cross-checking information published by Yahoo Sports, NewsBytes, cricket.com.au, CREX, The Sentinel and Sky Sports. Links to the sources are listed below.