Tom Banton's Century Powers England To Massive Win Over Australia

Tom Banton scored a superb century as England thrashed Australia by 135 runs to level the three-match ODI series in Adelaide on Sunday. Just two days after being bowled out for 131 in Perth, England responded in emphatic fashion, posting 355/6 before dismissing Australia for 220. Banton led the charge with his second ODI century and received strong support from Joe Root (62), wicketkeeper Jordan Cox (67) and Will Jacks (54 not out). The opener smashed 121 off 99 balls, striking 12 fours and four sixes, as he dominated an Australian attack missing Perth hero Mahli Beardman.

"The whole innings we looked like we were in control," England captain Harry Brook said.

"We countered their bad balls and we put them under pressure when we needed to."

"Bants played a fantastic innings and the depth that we have meant that we could go on and get that big 350," he added.

Australia's daunting chase was effectively derailed when Gus Atkinson (4/27) and Sonny Baker (1/43) reduced the hosts to 29/4 inside seven overs.

The situation could have been even worse for Australia, but both Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green were dropped early in their innings.

Earlier, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially paid off when Ben Duckett fell with England on 19.

However, on a far better batting surface than the one in Perth, England quickly seized control.

Banton and Root combined for a 137-run partnership, the highest second-wicket stand by England in an ODI in Australia.

After Root miscued a delivery from spinner Cooper Connolly and was caught at cover, England also lost Brook cheaply for five.

But Cox and Jacks maintained the momentum before Atkinson added the finishing touches, smashing two successive sixes in the final over bowled by Jack Edwards, which cost 18 runs.

Australia's chase began disastrously when Travis Head edged Atkinson to Root at first slip.

Two balls later, Atkinson struck again with Connolly caught by Brook at second slip.

Root then produced a stunning diving catch to dismiss Marsh off Baker before Australia slipped further to 29/4 when Josh Inglis edged Atkinson behind to Cox.

Renshaw (63) and Green (64) offered some resistance with a fighting partnership, but the required rate continued to climb and England remained firmly in control.

The visitors wrapped up the victory when Jofra Archer clean-bowled Spencer Johnson with a pinpoint yorker.

"Any time you are chasing 350, you are under pressure from ball one," Marsh said.

"We needed two of our top four to set the platform for us if we were to have any chance of chasing that."

The series decider will be played in Hobart on Wednesday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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