ALI’S IN WONDERLAND AUSSIES FACE BIG BASH
England v South Africa Devine intervention
But i t was Cook who deserved the plaudits for his stroke play and his resistance to the South Africa attack.
The Essex star reached his half-century with a cover drive for three which took him to 51 and a Test total of 11,111 runs.
He might not always be the ENGLAND will look to blow away Australia with their phenomenal batting power in the World Cup clash at Bristol today.
After losing their opening game against India, Mark Robinson’s side have bounced back to beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
In those victories, England batted first against Pakistan and
Vernon Philander hit a brave half- century and needed to go to hospital after he was out for an X-ray after an Anderson delivery hit his wrist.
He was revealed to have suffered nothing more than excessive swelling but by the time he returned Cook was doing a fine job of breaking South Africa’s spirit. South Africa and scored more than 370 in both those games.
Against Sri Lanka, they chased down 204 to win with 20 overs remaining.
A record-breaking partnership between Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Taylor was the highlight of Wednesday’s victory over South Africa, the pair each making centuries in a stand of 275 for the second wicket.
Defending champions Australia have made the perfect start to the tournament, winning all four games but bowler Megan Schutt is wary of the threat England pose.
“They’re hitting a few more runs,” said Schutt.
“They look like their team dynamic is really good, they seem to have a good balance at the moment. I think it should be a great contest.”
England have only won 21 of their 70 meetings against Australia, though many pundits see this as a dress rehearsal for the final.