ENGLAND remains a chance of levelling the 2023 Under 19 Ashes series, after taking out the final 50-over international in Brisbane on Friday. The tourists snapped a three-game losing streak in the multi-format series, defeating Australia by 41 runs to take a 2-3 deficit into Sunday’s decisive T20.

After a crushingly close defeat just two days prior, England showed the heart of three lions to bounce back with a terrific all-round team effort. Batter Danial Ibrahim was named player of the match for his 103 (116) in the first innings, which helped set up the winning total of 273.

The visitors again elected to bat after winning the toss, but found themselves in early trouble at 4-59 within the first 20 overs. Ibrahim, who came in at four, remained and formed handy partnerships with the likes of James Coles (37), Jamal Richards (28), and Tom Aspinwall (25).

England’s string of lower-middle order stands were mostly brought to an end by Josh Vernon, who removed batters five through eight en route to match-best figures of 5-69. Will Salzmann (3-47) also joined the party late, ending the innings on a hat-trick to see England bowled out with two balls to spare.

In response, Australia made a bright start as the promoted Harjas Singh (51) and Liam Blackford (36) put on 93 for the opening wicket. But both were gone before the total surpassed triple figures, leaving first drop Hugh Weibgen (59) to pivot the middle order alongside Harry Dixon (31).

After the pair was dismissed by Dominic Kelly (2-48), the hosts were still in with a shot at five wickets down come the 40-over mark, requiring 75-odd runs. Their hopes were soon dashed as James Coles (4-31) tore through the tail to ensure Australia would fall 41 runs short in the 47th over.

Ian Healy Oval now sets the scene for the series’ ultimate battle, with only Australia capable of winning the ‘urn’, while England has hope of levelling proceedings at three wins apiece. The two sides shared a win apiece in the two four-day games, before Australia took out the one-day contests 2-1.

SCORECARD

TOSS: England won the toss and elected to bat.
RESULT: England (273) def. Australia (232) by 41 runs.
POTM: Danial Ibrahim (England)

1st Innings: England 273 (49.4)
Danial Ibrahim 103 (116), James Coles 37 (52), Jamal Richards 28 (35)
Josh Vernon 5-69 (10), Will Salzmann 3-47 (9.4), Charlie Anderson 1-39 (10)

2nd Innings: Australia 232 (46.1)
Hugh Weibgen 59 (75), Harjas Singh 51 (53), Liam Blackford 36 (54)
James Coles 4-31 (9.1), Tom Aspinwall 2-33 (8), Dominic Kelly 2-48 (8)

SERIES FIXTURE

FOUR-DAY:

Sunday, Jan 29 – Wednesday, Feb 1  @ Allan Border Oval, Brisbane (ENG)
>> Match Report
Monday, Feb 6 – Thursday, Feb 9 @ Alan Pettigrew Oval, Brisbane (AUS)
>> Match Report

50-OVER:

Monday, February 13 @ Allan Border Oval, Brisbane (AUS)
>> Match Report
Wednesday, February 15 @ Allan Border Oval, Brisbane (AUS)
>> Match Report
Friday, February 17 @ Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane (ENG)

T20:

Sunday, February 19: @ Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane