Perth welcomed back cricket with a run fest at the Optus Stadium. England emerged victorious by 8 runs, but it wasn’t an easy-going win. The hosts had rested their pace battery, and the reserves failed to settle against the firepower of Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, getting smacked for 132 for the first wicket, coming off just 68 balls. The England white-ball captain set the tone on return and his partner followed. The bowling looked hapless, but the hosts did show the stomach for a fight once the opening pair was separated. Australia came out firing with Warner looking in exceptional nick, and at one stage, the hosts were ahead of the asking rate before Mark Wood struck thrice to derail the chase.
Hales enjoyed the pace of the Perth pitch! #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/Hkzd6buzia
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 9, 2022
