Jos Buttler’s magnificent century steered England to a series-clinching victory in the third one-day international against Australia.
Buttler launched an audacious counter-attack to finish with 100 not out in 83 balls as the tourists posted a winning total of 302 for six, Chris Woakes racing to 53no in a dizzying stand worth 113.
Buttler, whose middle-order masterclass included six fours and four sixes, was also involved in the key moment of the Australia innings, claiming a hotly-disputed catch to see off home skipper Steve Smith.
Tweet of the match
I don’t think there is a better No5/6 Batsman in the World against the White Ball than @josbuttler….. This is becoming a winning score now for England … #AUSvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 21, 2018
England’s special guest
Having already represented his country in two codes of rugby, NRL Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess joined up with the England cricket team at the SCG. His was purely a ceremonial role, though, presenting Joe Root with his 100th cap.
Huge congratulations to @root66 on his 100th @englandcricket ODI cap today. It truely was a huge honour to be invited in to present it to you. Good luck Fellas pic.twitter.com/FEwxmrDeo3
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) January 21, 2018
Stat of the match
Eoin Morgan’s 41 saw him take the title of of leading one-day run-scorer in matches between England and Australia – quite a feat for an Irishman. Ricky Ponting was the previous holder on 1598.
Smith’s lip service
The official Barmy Army Twitter account stirred up a possible controversy by posting images of Smith rubbing his lips and then the ball, apparently in response to trumped up accusations aimed at James Anderson during the Test series.
Looking for a bit of swing? Lip balm should do the trick. ??pic.twitter.com/ppUidykXKj
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) January 21, 2018
Close shave
Former England batsman James Taylor took a break from radio commentary duty to take advantage of an unusual offering from sponsors Gillette. They offered a mobile shaving post and Taylor was happy to put his feet up while they took care of his designer stubble.
In between stints on commentary, @jamestaylor20 has been for a quick shave!https://t.co/fX150EUDF6 pic.twitter.com/4MfHJZ8cFJ
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 21, 2018
Mo’ innings mo’ problems
Moeen Ali’s all-round talents have made him a hugely important three-format player for England but his batting has gone from bad to worse on this tour and is now a major concern. In nine Ashes innings he averaged 19.88, making the bulk of his runs in the first Test, and he now has 13 from three one-day knocks.
What’s next?
Australia v England, fourth one-day international at Adelaide – January 26.
