Sun Sep 22 03:51:36 UTC 2024: ## Australia Set England 271-Run Target in Thrilling ODI at Headingley
**Leeds, England:** Australia set England a challenging 271-run target to level the ODI series at Headingley, after a thrilling innings that saw them recover from a shaky start to post a competitive total.
The tourists, boosted by the return of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, were invited to bat first. England’s bowlers, however, initially exploited the seam movement and spin on offer, with Brydon Carse taking three wickets and Matthew Potts grabbing two.
Captain Mitch Marsh top-scored for Australia with 60 runs, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey played a crucial innings, smashing 74 off 67 balls including eight fours and three sixes. The duo put on a crucial 49-run partnership for the tenth wicket, lifting Australia past the 250 mark after a late collapse.
Early on, Australia struggled to build momentum, with Travis Head falling for 29 and Matthew Short dismissed for 16. Despite a brief recovery from Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne, England kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals.
Carey’s blistering knock, however, turned the tide, and his partnership with Hazlewood ensured Australia posted a respectable total. England will now have to chase down the target in their final innings to avoid defeat in the series.
First Piper 