England win but Maxwell the one who catches eye

VICTORY for England at Headingley with another thrilling performance, but this fourth one-day international will long be remembered more for a simply stunning catch by Glenn Maxwell when all Australian hope had almost gone. When Liam Plunkett hit the ball long and high towards the Western Terrace another six looked certain. But Maxwell, showing extraordinary athleticism and spatial awareness, parried the ball up into the air as his momentum took him over the rope, before jumping back to complete the catch with his feet in the air. It was a moment that earned a standing ovation from the liveliest supporters in English cricket and will live long in the memory whoever triumphs in what has become the deciding match of this series at Old Trafford tomorrow. England captain Eoin Morgan said: ‘It was a fantastic catch. Players practise things like that, more so for Twenty20 matches, but these days we play with slightly smaller boundaries, so catches like that are more common.’ Yet Maxwell’s catch came too late to deny England, with just 18 runs required off five more overs. David Willey completed his impressive return to the side by hitting a six to win the game by three wickets with 10 balls remaining. Now England have the chance in Manchester to end this resurgent summer on the highest of notes by coming back from two down to win the 50-over series against the world one-day champions. ‘That was a hugely significant victory,’ added Morgan. ‘To have contributions from the majority of the team made for a great chase. It’s comforting to have players down the order who can play like that.’