Faulkner's Brilliance drives Australia to a Stunning Victory.

It was a Deja Vu for many cricket fans, as Australian all-rounder, James Faulkner, produced another stunning turnaround, as Australia win against England by a mere 1 wicket.

After batting first, England put up a very good score of 300 for the loss of 8 wickets. But this was not the story at the start of the match. With the scoreline reading 78-3, Eion Morgan came into the crease. He was the architect of the English resurrection. While he scored 106 off just 99 balls, he was well supported by opener Ian Bell , who scored 68 and later, an excellent cameo from wicket-keeper Jos Buttler. Glenn Maxwell was Australia’s best bowler of the day, as he bagged 2 for 31 off 8 overs. Faulkner and Coulter-Nile also took 2 each.

Australia got off to the worst start possible, as their last-match hero Aaron Finch went back to the pavillion for a duck. Even Warner couldn’t hold ground for long, as he fell for 18. But Shaun Marsh and Captain Michael Clarke somewhat steadied the ship for Australia. But even Clarke fell for 17, and the scoreline read 70-3, similar to the situation the English men faced.

Now, under-knife Bailey was expected to come up with a good score, and take Australia over the line. But the situation for the Aussies just worsened, as they lost both well-set Marsh and Bailey in a span of an over, and the scoreline read 120-5, with England sniffing their first victory of this tour.

But Maxwell teamed up with Haddin, and thus began the Australian counter-attack. Maxwell was looking good on 56 before another twin strike left the Aussies reeling at 206 for 7. Coulter Nile played a steady innings, whereas Faulkner started off cautiously. But Coulter fell soon to Stokes, as he trapped him in front of the wicket. Even Mitchell Johnson couldn’t hang around much, and scoreline read 244 for 9, with England being a centimeter away from victory.

And then the Faulkner-assault started. Similar to the knocks he played against India, he tore apart the bowlers with proper shots. Clint Mckay did well to hang around and give support to Faulkner. He was brutal against Stokes and Bresnan, who just couldn’t find the proper line to bowl to him.

With 12 needed from the final over, the match was still well poised. But Faulkner sealed the nail in the coffin, as he smashed 3 boundaries of 3 balls, and took Australia to a stunning victory.

Fittingly, Faulkner was named the man of the match for his efforts. As for English team is concerned, fate has been definitely against them. We have to wait an watch the next ODI at Sunday as to whether England can put a fightback, or will Australia gain the ODI series as well.