England are starting to show why they have a very real chance of claiming a second T20 World Cup after putting the reigning champions away with ease.
Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali stepped up with the bat, while Sam Curran showed his all round value with a series-winning performance to put the Aussies to bed with a game to spare. An eight run win over a full strength Aussie lineup in Canberra meant a 2-0 lead with just one game left on Friday, and was another ideal stepping stone towards the T20 World Cup with Curran and Malan playing the starring roles.
Malan's 82 was the mainstay of the England innings of 178-7, but while Australia fielded as though the ball was lathered in vaseline, England’s fielding was on another level entirely and their five catches from five chances also made a big difference. Curran’s 3-25, including the 20th over shut out, made it his night with the ball, but Malan’s highest score against the Aussies was the perfect way to celebrate his 50th T20 game for England.
