Steven Finn and James Anderson excelled with the ball, before a 131- run partnership from Ian Bell and James Taylor handed England their first win of the Carlton Mid Tri Series in Australia, beating India by nine wickets, with 135 balls remaining.
A little over a year ago, Steven Finn suffered his lowest ebb as an international cricketer, the Gabba proving one step too far as he departed England’s fateful tour of Australia early.
A year later, almost to the day, and the story was very different. Aided by a little extra bounce on a robust pitch, his maiden five-fer was one of the highest points in an England performance to savour.
Anderson too proved to be a bowler on top of his game, showcased early after India elected to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan nicked behind to give Jos Buttler his first of five catches behind the stumps.
From 57-1 India soon floundered to 67-5, bounce from Finn and wile from Moeen Ali quickly nullifying the Indian top order – Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina only mustering five between them.
MS Dhoni and Stuart Binny provided a little resistance, adding 70 runs before calling for the powerplay one over early. Finn and Anderson returned, the former first delivering another lively ball, which Dhoni gloved behind, before immediately bursting one through Akshar Patel’s defences. He was denied a hattrick though, but the damage had already been done.
Anderson then accounted for Binny – top scoring with 44, and wrapped up the remainder of the tail to have India all out for 153 after just 39.3 overs.
With six overs to bat before the interval, England lost Ali early but Ian Bell soon found fluency, alongside James Taylor. The pair batted easily, at their own pace. Bell comfortable using his feet and working into the on side, while proving powerful on the drive through the covers.
Taylor, typically, rotated the strike well and ran exceptionally, while showing glimpses of the talent which won so many plaudits, and matches, in the English summer.
Their partnership passed 50, then 100 and it took just 27.3 overs to pass the total. Bell had amassed 88 from 91 balls, while Taylor’s 56 was instrumental in getting England over the line.
Second-placed England will face Australia in the early hours of Friday morning, and look to cement their place in the final of the Tri Series.
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.