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Dhoni was mesmerised even at the press-conference. For every question demanding explanations for the defeat, he the same answer: Mendis

Sidharth Monga in Karachi07-Jul-2008
Yuvraj Singh was bowled off the second ball he faced from Ajantha Mendis © AFP
A tournament deserves the final it gets, it is said sometimes. On the surface, the Asia Cup, with its long-drawn format featuring as many minnows as regular teams, got the final it deserved: another one-sided contest. But scratch the surface and you find a match that ebbed and flowed, one with three individual performances of sheer genius which the tournament badly needed.”After the game it looked one-sided,” Mahela Jayawardene said. “Going into the game it wasn’t one-sided at all.”India appeared to have run away with both bat and ball at the start but Sri Lanka fought back. Ishant Sharma took quick wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 67 for 4 and Virender Sehwag’s opening salvo tore their new-ball attack apart. However, while India’s bowlers recovered from Sanath Jayasuriya’s onslaught to restrict Sri Lanka to 273 their batsmen were unable to decode Ajantha Mendis and the run-chase never recovered from his mesmerising opening spell.”Sanath took his chances even when they were four down,” Mahendra Singh Dhoni said. “They took chances because they had in their minds that we were capable of chasing 300. It was a brilliant innings.” Jayawardene said that although Mendis deservedly stole the glory, it was Jayasuriya’s knock that kept them in the final.Virender Sehwag’s innings, a 36-ball 60 that would in most circumstances be enough to chase off 274, threatened to eclipse Jayasuriya before it was cut short. He flicked, glanced, pulled, drove straight and through covers, late-cut, and kept everyone rapt.”I had no option at that time [but to introduce Mendis in the ninth over],” said Jayawardene. “Virender was batting very well, and we needed to take a wicket. I knew the ball would be too new for Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan]. We just took a gamble.”The contest had a tantalizing build-up. Sri Lanka had rested Mendis in their Super Four match against India, which, if they had won, would have virtually knocked India out of the competition. Instead they chose to rest Mendis, perhaps in order to spring a surprise in the final. It was only his eighth ODI and the challenge facing Mendis was formidable: he had to try and end Sehwag’s aggression during the first Powerplay in a tournament final.Perhaps out of over-confidence or merely because he treats spin with disdain, Sehwag tried to step out to Mendis’ first ball but had to defend. He tried to do it again the very next delivery but this time Mendis beat him in flight and cut the leg break past the bat, leaving Kumar Sangakkara with an easy stumping.In the overs to come, as if every wicket that fell to Mendis’ guile enhanced his mystery in the Indian dressing-room, the batsmen played a succession of injudicious shots. Mendis’ simplicity prevailed over all of them. He stuck to an immaculate in-between length, which made the batsman uncomfortable playing on either on the front or back foot. His stock delivery remained the straighter one, and the Indian batsmen reacted like rats to the Pied Piper.Dhoni, whose innings stood out for its sensible approach, was mesmerised even at the press-conference. For every question demanding explanations for the defeat, he said the same answer: Mendis.”Most of our batsmen couldn’t pick him,” Dhoni said. “We had never played him before. We had only seen videos and you can visualise and all, but he was difficult to pick out there in the middle. We never had any real reply against him.”Why did they make the defensive move of playing an extra batsman? “The main reason to add one batsman was Mendis,” Dhoni said. “Our bowlers did well to restrict them to 273, and Mendis bowled well and that was the reason we lost.”It was like you were playing something else, and the ball was something else. I won’t really blame the batsman, we couldn’t pick the deliveries. If you see our bowling, it was the best bowling line-up we could offer when we wanted one more extra batsman in the side. They tried their best and we could have got 274 but for the Mendis factor.”

Australia great wants the Indian team management should exercise caution on how they pick and drop players

Sreshth Shah in Bengaluru09-Sep-2018With India’s tour of England coming to an end, there’s now a buzz around their tour of Australia in November, where they will play four Tests and a limited-overs series. If Adam Gilchrist, the Australian great, is to be believed, the tour may be shaped up by how Australia’s replacements for David Warner and Steven Smith, who are in the middle of a year-long ban for the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, can step up and perform.”It’s a big setback to lose your highest run-scorers for a few years, to lose two people who have scored a high percentage of your runs, so that’s going to be the challenge for our guys against India,” Gilchrist told ESPNcricinfo in Bengaluru. “It’s a great opportunity for a few people, to come in and fill the void, but they’re big shoes to fill and that will have a big impact on the series. The big challenge for Australia will be to get the runs that their pacers and Nathan Lyon can defend.”In hindsight, and certainly after the time that has passed, the general feeling is that the punishment was a bit too harsh. But at the time everyone was really upset by it and everyone wanted stern action to be taken.”But what I’m really impressed by is how the fantastic the players have accepted it. They’ve shown the cricketing world that they know they did the wrong thing and they’ve copped a harsh ban, but they’ve just got to move on with it and return as better people and players.”Of particular interest, Gilchrist thinks, will be the battle between the quicks from both sides. In saying that, he’s been impressed with how India’s fast bowlers have performed in England.”In England, they’ve shown the potential to rip through the batting line-up,” Gilchrist said. “And they’re all fit, strong and aggressive young men so those are all the virtues you need to take on Australia in Australia.”And from an Australian perspective, we have (Mitchell) Starc, backed up by Pat Cummins, who is outstanding, and (Josh) Hazlewood is almost (Glenn) McGrath like with his methodic repetitious bowling, so there’s three guys there, and there are a couple in the wings as well. As the series goes on, we’re going to find out who has the better pace attack, and that is going to be the most intriguing part of the series.”Gilchrist was also empathetic towards India’s struggle to find a permanent wicketkeeper-batsman after MS Dhoni’s Test retirement in December 2014, but said that the Indian selectors must exercise caution on how they pick and drop players.He’s seen Australia adopt the revolving door policy since Brad Haddin’s retirement in 2015. Australia have tried Graham Manou, Matthew Wade, Peter Nevill and Peter Handscomb, before eventually recalling Tim Paine. It’s a mistake he hopes India don’t make, calling for them to instead be patient with Rishabh Pant. The 20-year old wicketkeeper so far has scores of 24, 1, 0, 18 and 5 in five Test innings.”It may take some chopping and changing, but if you churn through players too quickly, it can leave a psychological scar on their minds,” Gilchrist said. “And that can limit their efforts in producing their best. So hopefully Pant gets a nice run with the Test side.”It’s like when Shane Warne finished, it left such a big hole in the team because of the quality of player and person that Shane was. And it was the same in India when the big batting four departed. So they’re not easy gaps to fill, and Dhoni’s been as good as any in the keeper-batsman category.”

Leeds United are beginning to make moves in the transfer market and are now said to be readying a swoop for one man who has emerged as a January target.

Leeds United January rumours…

Having a squad filled with good depth is important for any side who aspires to gain promotion from the Championship and Leeds will feel no different in that respect as they search for quality reinforcements over the course of this month.

Daniel Farke has already publicly heralded the news that recruitment expert Nick Hammond will be staying on until the summer of 2024 at Elland Road, as he stated late last year:

"He is brilliant. He is key to our success in the recent months by gaining more and more stability for this club. I have great support with Angus and Nick and Gretar in different roles."

Leeds United hold talks over Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig

He could be set for a change of scenery this month…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 1, 2024

Spezia goalkeeper Bartomej Dragowski is a target for the Whites in a move that could potentially re-unite the Poland international with his former teammate Ethan Ampadu. The report states that Hull City are also keen on the 26-year-old and indicated that both clubs could soon make contact with the Serie A side to discuss a deal for Dragowski.

Villarreal striker Ben Brereton Diaz is also believed to be on Leeds United's radar according to journalist Ben Jacobs; however, he may be pursued in the summer rather than this month should the Whites gain promotion.

Now, another man who could join Farke's men has emerged and formal talks have now been pencilled in concerning his potential arrival, with the 49ers Enterprises now into their first winter window in charge

Leeds United plan Nathaniel Adjei talks…

According to LUFCFANZONE, Leeds United have scheduled formal discussions over a proposed swoop for Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei, who is also attracting interest from Ipswich Town and Millwall, as the outlet explained on social media platform X:

Personal terms and a £4m fee not being a problem is an encouraging development as the Whites look to recruit in the central defensive department, especially when factoring in backline injury concerns involving the likes of Pascal Struijk, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas. Adjei is capable of filling in at right-back, which could offer some wider added depth.

Labelled a "monster" in the media on X, Adjei made 26 appearances across all competitions in 2023, registering one goal in the process (Adjei statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nathaniel Adjei statistics in 2023 (Sofascore)

Tackles won per game

1.0

Clearances per game

2.7

Accurate passes per game

40.8 (88%)

Touches

59.2

Average match rating

6.84/10

It remains to be seen whether Adjei will end up at Elland Road, though Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises certainly look to be pulling out all the stops to land their man.

Bayern Munich will reportedly let Joshua Kimmich leave the club in the summer, with as many as five European clubs already interested.

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Bayern to let Kimmich leaveNo progress on contract talksFive European giants vying for signatureWHAT HAPPENED?

The German midfielder sees his contract at Bayern expire in 2025 with no progress as yet of an extension. As a result, Florian Plettenberg of reports that the midfielder is thought to be exploring his options this summer. Furthermore, Plettenberg states that Bayern would be willing to sell Kimmich should a "suitable offer" arrive.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kimmich is vastly experienced and is one of the world's best in his position, and at 29 years old he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. As a result, news of his potential departure has sent alarm bells ringing across Europe. Plettenberg lists Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona as all interested, with some reportedly having already made contact with the midfielder.

DID YOU KNOW?

While Kimmich could become hot property in the summer, Plettenberg notes that not all top-level clubs will move for him. He singles out Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as not currently being in the race for the Germany international.

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getty imagesWHAT NEXT FOR KIMMICH?

While European giants circle there is still, of course, the possibility that an agreement may be reached with Bayern over a contract renewal. Should those talks fall through, however, the Bavarian giants will likely want a healthy return on a player who has become a club legend since signing for €8.5 million (£7.2m/$9.2m) in 2015.

This is the second time in succession that he has been added to the ODI squad midway through a series

Mohammad Isam24-Oct-2018Bangladesh have included Soumya Sarkar in the squad for the third ODI against Zimbabwe in Chittagong. Soumya left Khulna on the third day of his side’s ongoing first-class match against Rajshahi Division.Chief selector Minhajul Abedin confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that Soumya was the only addition to the current squad.This is the second time in succession that Soumya has been added to the ODI squad midway through a series. He was flown to the UAE to join the team during the Asia Cup as “batting reinforcement” after Bangladesh were hit by an injury to Tamim Iqbal and were grappling with the form of their top order. In his two outings, however, he opened the batting only once, with a five-ball duck against Pakistan, before chipping in with a handy 33 in the final against India, where he batted at No. 7.Since then, he has made a century and three fifties in the NCL first-class competition, apart from an unbeaten 102 for BCB XI against Zimbabwe in the practice match in BKSP last Friday. He also took a five-for in the last match for Khulna against Rangpur.Khulna have called upon Robiul Islam Robi as his replacement for the remainder of the first-class match.Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Ariful Haque, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Abu Hider, Mohammad Saifuddin, Fazle Mahmud, Soumya Sarkar

Joe Denly and Sean Dickson both it hundreds and to make matters worse for Warwickshire Keith Barker ran foul of the umpires

ECB Reporters Network21-Jun-2018
ScorecardSecond-innings centuries by Sean Dickson and Joe Denly helped Kent to build a potentially game-defining lead of 431 runs as the hosts closed on day two of their top-of-the-table Specsavers County Championship clash with Warwickshire on an impressive 359 for 6.Kent’s position is especially strong because Keith Barker has been forced out of the attack by the umpires after two warnings for running on the pitch.In a complete volte face to the opening day when 20 wickets fell, Kent’s third-wicket pairing found batting at The Nevill in Tunbridge Wells a pleasurable pastime once the shine went off the new ball and the wind and sunshine took effect in helping to harden the top surface.Earlier, opener Daniel Bell-Drummond had succumbed cheaply to Keith Barker – the clear pick of Warwickshire’s attack first time around with 5 for 32. Barker saw two worthy leg before decisions turned aside before running one across the right-hander and enticing him to nick one to the keeper.Barker also accounted for in-form Heino Kuhn, moving one back in through the air to snare the former Proteas Test opener flush in front to bring acting captain Denly and Dickson together.The pair, who had notched Kent’s only other championship centuries of the summer at Bristol during the previous round of matches, combined to add 208 trouble-free runs and set a Kent third-wicket record against Warwickshire, surpassing the 186 made by Bill Ashdown and Les Ames at Edgbaston in 1934.Jeetan Patel, the Warwickshire captain might have made life tougher for the pair by posting a third man when something like 25 per cent of their runs came through the gap, but instead they were allowed to bat through the middle session unfettered.Patel made amends by removing both soon after tea with his off-spinners. Dickson’s 229-ball stay for 133 ended when he played across a quicker ball to depart lbw. Then, turning one in from well outside off, he won an ambitious lbw shout that ended Denley’s 88-ball stay for a polished 119.Patel mystified some pundits later on by delaying taking the second new ball for five overs before finally throwing the new cherry to Keith Barker, comfortably his most potent threat in taking five for 32 in Kent’s first innings.When Barker did get the new ball he quickly removed Darren Stevens, following one outside off to be caught behind, before trapping Rouse leg before with a full in-swinger.With Kent six down and already leading by 410 runs, Barker blotted his copybook by running on the pitch for the second time to be taken out of the attack by umpire Steve O’Shaughnessy.With Barker out of their attack, Kent rookie Zak Crawley reached an eye-catching 47 through to stumps to deepen Warwickshire’s parlous position.The visitors will know they will have to bat superbly to save this game, let alone win it.

It wasn't so long ago that Newcastle United were struggling to survive in the Premier League, but ever since their takeover by the Saudi Investment Fund the Magpies have been flying up the Premier League ranks, resulting in Champions League qualification last season. Eddie Howe's side have impressed at times throughout the current campaign too, with their standout moment being a 4-1 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain at St James' Park.

If some thought that result was a blip, then Newcastle's valiant 1-1 draw against the French champions quickly put an end to that belief, even if French newspaper L'Equipe delivered a rather harsh verdict on the Magpies' performance.

Newcastle vs PSG player ratings

Newcastle found themselves on the verge of what would have been a famous three points at the Parc des Princes before Kylian Mbappe equalised in the 98th minute with an incredibly controversial penalty awarded for Tino Livramento's handball.

The Magpies now face the prospect of a Champions League exit into the Europa League or out of Europe entirely in what will frustrate Howe, given how well his depleted side played. They sit third in Group E, level on points with Milan and two points adrift of PSG with one game left to play.

Despite how tight the game was, L'Equipe were not quick to praise Newcastle players. Instead, they delivered some fairly harsh ratings, handing 17-year-old Lewis Miley the lowest in the team with a four out of ten.

9/10 Newcastle star outshone Livramento & Isak against PSG

This “outstanding” player outshone Alexander Isak on his return and was Newcastle United’s real hero in the 1-1 draw away at PSG.

ByAdam Scully Nov 29, 2023

Meanwhile, Miguel Almiron, who very nearly had an early assist to his name and worked tirelessly all evening, was given a six, as was Tripper, who kept Mbappe quiet aside from his penalty, even forcing him to switch flanks late on in search of more space. Livramento was hit with a rating as low as five, despite often acting as Newcastle's driving force down the left-hand side and defending valiantly.

L'Equipe harsh on Newcastle players

Travelling to a side of PSG's stature is never an easy task. Taking the lead at the home of the French champions, meanwhile, before only being pegged back in the dying minutes by a controversial penalty call, seems an impossible task. Yet, Newcastle did just that, all whilst enduring their fair share of injury problems in the build-up. If anyone deserved credit, it was the Magpies.

Miley, at just 17-years-old, was particularly hard done by, given that he performed exceptionally in the circumstances. Almiron, meanwhile, would have come away with a memorable goal involvement if Alexander Isak had tucked away from close range at the first time of asking. From Howe's perspective though, what the media in France, or anywhere for that matter, say about his side won't replace his pride in his team.

Speaking after the game, Howe delivered his verdict on the controversial penalty call, saying via ITV: "It wasn’t the right decision in my opinion. There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first. It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down, looks completely different to the live event.

“The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand. But his hand is not in an unnatural position, they [his hands] are down by his side, but he is in a running motion. I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us as you know how little time there is left in the game. There is nothing we can do about it now.”

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news as Spurs cast their eyes on an "interesting" £39m star

Spurs striker targets

The departure of star forward and club-record goalscorer Harry Kane has scarcely been noticed so far. Instead of suffering without their former talisman, Spurs have reinvented themselves as a more fluid attacking team, with new captain Son Heung-min thriving in a more central role. Tottenham, after their latest 2-1 win on Friday night, have extended their unbeaten run to 10 games; winning eight of them in a real statement to the rest of the Premier League.

New manager Ange Postecoglou is seemingly transforming the club, and things haven't looked better than this for quite a long time. However, despite thriving without a traditional number nine of Kane's ilk, there have been suggestions that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and incoming new transfer chief Johan Lange could still sign a new striker next year.

Tottenham are interested in Brentford's Ivan Toney, for instance, who looks set to become one of the hottest commodities in English football once he returns from his ban for alleged gambling breaches. Spurs are eyeing Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez as well, according to recent reports, with one agent even saying this week that Spurs are among the "closest" sides to getting him.

Gimenez really "interesting" Tottenham

Now, a very reliable transfer source in Romano has shared his own update on the matter. While he confirms that Gimenez is being watched by Spurs, things don't appear as advanced as previously suggested. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalis backs that he's a player really "interesting" Postecoglou's side. Romano also says that Gimenez could leave for just £39 million.

“We know very well that many top clubs around Europe are keeping an eye on the boy,” said Romano.

“From what I’m hearing, something around €45million (£39million) could be the right fee to make it happen. Let’s see if (it’s) in the January window or in the summer window it depends on Feyenoord, more than on the player. The interest of many clubs is there. I think we saw Tottenham linked, because from what I’m told, Tottenham scouts have been following the player already last year.

“While they were following the manager (Slot) they saw that Santi Gimenez is absolutely a very good striker. So Santi Gimenez for sure is a player interesting for Tottenham, but also for many other clubs around Europe, and this is why decisions will be made in the next months. But at the moment, no statement from people close to the player and the only person (handling his transfer business) is the father.”

The 22-year-old has stood out as one of Europe's most in-form strikers this season. Scoring 13 goals and notching a further three assists, his tender age and pedigree could make his reported £39 million valuation a price really worth paying. Gimenez's departure from the Netherlands is surely one to watch as we head into 2024.

So far this season, Aston Villa have very much looked like a side on the up under Unai Emery, who has got things right at the second time of asking in the Premier League, restoring his reputation after the disaster that was his Arsenal spell a few years ago. The credit for their rise deserves to be shared around Villa Park, and not just given to Emery, with the recruitment team working wonders to build an impressive squad.

Their job doesn't end with the summer, though. Instead, their attention simply turns to the January transfer window, when they will undoubtedly look to bolster Emery's squad even further. One recent transfer update will leave them disappointed, however.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

During the summer transfer window, the Villans got their expensive additions spot on, and have been rewarded with results ever since. In total, Aston Villa's summer spending reached the €93m (£80m) mark, as they welcomed the likes of Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby.

Player

Price

Moussa Diaby

€55m (£48m)

Pau Torres

€33m (£29m)

Nicolo Zaniolo

€5m (£4m) loan fee

Youri Tielemans

Free

Clement Lenglet

Loan

The Midlands club may not face the same success when it comes to January arrivals, though, with the latest Jonathan Rowe transfer news suggesting that Villa could face disappointment. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Norwich City are set to block the Villans' January move for their star player, and will not entertain any offers.

This comes as a blow for Villa, who were reportedly in pole position to land the winger's signature. It looks like they'll now be forced to wait until next summer to test the Canaries' resolve, which could be easier to break down if they fail to secure promotion into the Premier League this season.

How has Jonathan Rowe performed this season?

Rowe's stats show that he has been the standout player for Norwich this season. The winger has scored seven goals in 13 games in all competitions, and at 20-years-old, will only get better with time. If his side are to earn promotion back into the top flight, then Rowe will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their charge, despite still being so young.

The Villa target has earned deserved praise for his performances this season, including from Norwich boss David Wagner, who said, via the Pink Un: "Hopefully he comes back healthy. He has done great so far, and he deserved every praise, but he knows he has to start to work even more if he wants to improve and continue this form. He is a very smart guy. He will do what is necessary. He is in a good mood, obviously.

“Everyone else can speak about the (Coventry) goal, I would speak about the defensive block in the second half because it showed how committed he is to do the hard work as well for the defence. He is a team player, he works hard. Obviously, he is scoring goals, which is great.”

With that said, Villa will be frustrated by their recent transfer blow, especially given Rowe's form. Norwich may still face a fight to keep hold of their rising star during the summer, however.

On the same ground where England plundered the previous record England thrashed 21 sixes and 41 fours in becoming the first side to reach 450 in ODI history

The Report by George Dobell19-Jun-20180:42

‘Very proud day for us as a group’ – Morgan

England 481 for 6 (Hales 147, Bairstow 139) beat Australia 239 (Rashid 4-47, Moeen 3-28) by 242 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEngland thrashed the highest score in the history of ODI cricket to set up the most crushing defeat – in terms of runs – ever inflicted upon Australia.On the same Trent Bridge ground where they plundered the previous record – 444 for 3 against Pakistan in August 2016 in the most recent completed ODI on the ground – England thrashed 21 sixes and 41 fours in becoming the first side to reach 450 in ODI history. Only once in the 56-year history of List A cricket – when Surrey scored 496 for 4 against Gloucestershire at The Oval in 2007 – has any side scored more.The result means England have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Australia have now lost five ODI series in succession and eight of their last nine ODIs against England. Indeed, they have won only two of their last 16 ODIs against all opponents. It is the first time England have won back-to-back ODI series against Australia since 1986-87 and, with two games to go, they now have a chance to complete their first 5-0 whitewash over them. They won 4-0 in 2012 with one game abandoned due to poor weather.The foundation of England’s total was high-class centuries from Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales and the quickest half-century in their ODI history from Eoin Morgan. For Bairstow, in magnificent form, it was his fourth ODI century in six innings and his sixth in 19 since his recall less than a year ago. He now has the highest batting average – 65.76 – of any man to open in ODI cricket on more than 10 occasions. The fact he is one of only two men in the top 50 of that list with a strike-rate in excess of 100 (his is 114.19) demonstrates how well he is batting. The fact that the other is his opening partner, Jason Roy, demonstrates how the game has developed and how England have been at the vanguard of that change.The pair combined perfectly here. With Roy murderous against the short ball – he played a hook in the opening overs that travelled far enough to require a visa – and Bairstow in the sort of form that makes a length delivery an opportunity to drive or pull, they posted an opening stand of 159 in 19.3 overs; the 10th highest opening partnership against Australia in ODI history.There were a couple of nervous moments. Australia called for a review when they thought they detected an inside edge on one from Stanlake that nipped back at Roy (replays showed the ball brushed his trousers), while Bairstow was dropped on 30 by Marcus Stoinis running back from mid-off and reprieved on review having been given out leg before attempting to sweep Ashton Agar.Those moments apart, this was one-way traffic. On the sort of pitch that most batsmen would like to whisk to Paris for the weekend – and most bowlers would like to never see again – England gorged and feasted on runs until they dripped down their chins.Hales soon dispelled any thought that the wicket of Roy – attempting an unwise second run – would ease Australia’s pain. A day after he had admitted – quite rightly – that he was likely to be the man to make way once Ben Stokes returned, he provided a strong case for his retention with a 62-ball century; the sixth-fastest in England’s history, all of which have come since the 2015 World Cup. Back on his home ground – the ground where he thrashed 171 against Pakistan in 2016 – he showed tremendous power but also nice placement and shot selection. Nearly two-thirds of his runs were heaved through – or over – the leg side.It looked, for a while, as if England might reach 500. Despite losing Bairstow, heaving down the throat of deep midwicket, and Jos Buttler, deceived by a slower ball, Morgan thrashed a 21-ball half-century. Having recovered from the back spasm that kept him out of the Cardiff match, Morgan not only recorded the quickest fifty in England’s ODI history but passed Ian Bell’s record to become England’s most prolific ODI run-scorer in the process.While Australia tried just about everything in the field – going round the wicket, bowling short, bowling full, even trying eight bowlers – none of it made much difference. AJ Tye, who became just the 11th man to concede 100 in an ODI innings and just the fourth to do so in fewer than 10 overs, had the ugliest figures but this was a day all of them will wake up screaming about in years to come.Australia’s reply started well enough. D’Arcy Short carved David Willey’s first ball for six and his second for four, while Travis Head brushed off a painful blow from a Mark Wood bouncer (Wood exceeded 91 mph in that first spell) to help Australia keep up with the rate for the first 12 overs.But that target – that vast target – required endless risk-taking. And after Short chipped one to mid-on, Head poked a return catch to Moeen Ali and Shaun Marsh lofted to long-on. Aaron Finch, attempting to repeat a six clobbered over long-on, was deceived by one nicely held back by Adil Rashid (Finch, moved into the middle-order to combat spin, has been dismissed by it three times in 13 balls this series) and Marcus Stoinis attempted an unwise second to Bairstow’s arm in the deep. By the time Glenn Maxwell was brilliantly caught at long-on by a leaping Liam Plunkett, it was clear this was to be a rout. Never had England won by such a large run margin in ODI cricket. England’s spinners – a key point of difference between the sides in this series – finished with seven wickets between them.Are such conditions – white balls offering little lateral movement and surfaces offering certainty of pace and carry – good for the game? The debate will continue. Certainly there were aspects of this match – mostly some outrageous hitting – that created an entertaining and memorable spectacle. And there is no doubt that the groundstaff at Trent Bridge have produced exactly what was asked of them. We can expect more of this – and not just at Trent Bridge – during next year’s World Cup.There is, though, an inflationary aspect to boundaries. At some stage, they begin to lose just a little of their novelty and, perhaps, appeal. Suffice to say, all pretence of maintaining a balance between bat and ball disappears in such circumstances. Bowlers compete in much the same way a clay pigeon does when someone goes shooting. It was a remarkable day’s cricket, but you wouldn’t want every day to be like this.There are a couple more caveats, too. This Australia attack, missing at least three first-choice seamers as it is, is not the strongest and the relatively short boundaries meant that, a couple of times, top-edges carried for sixes. On Australian grounds they may have gone to hand.But there have been weaker attacks and shorter boundaries. This was still an incredible effort from a remarkable England batting line-up that is playing wonderfully fearless, innovative and powerful cricket. As this series has progressed, it has become hard to fathom how roles have reversed since the 2015 World Cup when one of these sides lifted the trophy and the other was humiliated. It will amount to little until England do it in a global tournament but you can be sure that no side – and certainly no bowling attack – will relish facing them in conditions like this.