Mitchell Starc achieved the ignominious feat of conceding the most runs by an Australian in one over of an ODI match in cricket history as the Aussies were thumped by England on Friday night. Cameron Green also suffered a back injury, while Josh Inglis was at the centre of a catch controversy that angered the local fans in the fourth ODI.
England levelled the five-match series at 2-2, with Harry Brook and Jofra Archer inspiring the hosts to a 186-run victory at Lord’s. With the match reduced to 39 overs aside due to early rain, England still managed to amass 312 while batting first. Australia were then destroyed by Archer to be bowled out for just 126 in 24.4 overs.
Harry Brook blasted 87 off 58 balls, backing up his unbeaten century from the third ODI. Opener Ben Duckett made 63 off 62, while Liam Livingstone smashed the fastest half-century in an ODI at Lord’s (27 balls) and finished 62 not out off 27.
Starc was the Aussie bowler to cop the most punishment, conceding 0-70 off eight overs. He also made history, but not the kind he’d be bragging about. Livingstone smashed 28 off Starc’s final, going 6,0,6,6,6,4. The 28 runs are the most an Australian has ever conceded in one over during an ODI match.
Most runs conceded by an Australian in an over in men’s ODIs:
28 — M Starc v ENG at Lord’s, ’24
26 — S Davis v ENG at WACA, ’87
26 — C McDermott v RSA at Centurion, ’94
26 — X Doherty v IND at Bangalore, ’13
26 — A Zampa v RSA at Centurion, ’23
26 — C Green v IND at Indore, ’23— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) September 27, 2024
Josh Inglis booed as catch controversy angers England
There were also controversial scenes when wicket-keeper Inglis claimed a low catch when Brook was on 17, with replays showing the ball had clearly bounced before going into his gloves. Inglis appeared unsure whether he’d caught the ball cleanly or not, but boos rained down on him when the replay was shown on the big screen.
Stuart Broad said in commentary: “In fairness, I think it’s very difficult to know if that’s bounced or not when you’re diving athletically down the leg side trying to catch the ball.” He then added with a grin: “Always seems to be a bit of drama with England against Australia at Lord’s…”
Broad was referencing the sportsmanship storm that erupted in last year’s Ashes series over Alex Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow. Friday night’s match marked the first Australia had played at Lord’s since the controversial incident at the same ground over 12 months ago. Just like they did when Carey stumped an unsuspecting Bairstow, the English crowd chanted on Friday night: “Same old Aussies, always cheating.”
Cameron Green in doubt for Aussie summer with back injury
After taking a 2-0 lead in the series, Australia are now firmly on the back foot. And they’ll play the remainder of the white-ball tour without all-rounder Cameron Green.
Green didn’t play the fourth ODI and has flown back to Perth after suffering a back problem following the third match. A team spokesperson said on Friday: “Green reported soreness following the third ODI. He will return home for further assessment where his return-to-play management plan will be determined.”
The development is a huge concern considering the 25-year-old has a history of stress fractures in his back. Green has cemented his place in Australia’s Test side in recent years, but might not be available this summer for a blockbuster series against India.
The first Test is set for Perth on November 22, while there are also three ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan beforehand. Travis Head said on Friday night: “Cam’s flown home. I found out about him as we went on to the team bus and haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet, but I’ll reach out to him. Obviously it’s disappointing for him, but he can go home and get things sorted. He’s been through these things before, Cam, it’s disappointing, but he’ll know the way to get back.”
