Eoin Morgan and David Willey help England set up one-day decider after beating Australia
England set up a one-day series decider against Australia after completing the third highest run chase in their limited overs history to win by three wickets at Headingley. Captain Eoin Morgan top scored with 92 as the hosts chased down the target of 300 with 10 balls remaining.
David Willey marked his recall with three early Australia wickets to reduce the tourists to 30 for three, but a 137-run partnership between George Bailey (75) and Glenn Maxwell, who was dropped twice on his way to making 85 from 64 balls, put them on course for a hefty total. Two wickets each for Liam Plunkett and Moeen Ali turned the tide back in England's favour but Matthew Wade hit 50 from 26 balls, including two sixes in the final over, to take his side to 299 for seven.
Aiming to stage the first successful chase of the series, England lost Alex Hales (one) in the first over after he was trapped lbw by Pat Cummins. Jason Roy (36), James Taylor (41) and Ben Stokes (41) built the foundations for the chase but Morgan proved the difference maker with his third half century in four matches against Australia.
Glenn Maxwell took a stunning catch at backward point to dismiss the England skipper but Australia, without Ashton Agar and therefore a bowler to take pace off the ball, were unable to stem the flow. Jonny Bairstow (31) and Liam Plunkett (17), who was dismissed by a second incredible catch from Maxwell put England on the brink before Willey finished the match like he began it, with a flourish by smashing a six over long off to level the series at 2-2 and book a decider at Old Trafford.
"It's a hugely significant victory," Morgan said. "To come out and have contributions from the majority of the team was a great chase. Always comforting having guys down the order who can play well and have experience."
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