Tuesday 3 February 2015 17:47, UK
Just three days after his countryman Glenn McGrath routed Namibia with 7-15, Australia’s Andy Bichel destroyed England with an astonishing all-round display, claiming 7-20 before clubbing a match-winning 34no off 36 balls at number 10.
While McGrath’s figures endure as the best in World Cup history, Bichel’s remain more monumental given the intensity of the Pool A contest at Port Elizabeth.
From the solid start provided by Nick Knight and Marcus Trescothick, England folded from 66-0 to 87-5 as Bichel found movement off an accurate line – bowling captain Nasser Hussain off-stump with a beauty that beat the outside edge.
Alec Stewart (46) and Andrew Flintoff (45) countered with a record sixth-wicket partnership for England against Australia in one-day internationals of 90, only for that man, Bichel, to return and remove both in the space of three runs.
England scored only 33 runs off their final 10 overs to end on a modest 204-8 - Ashley Giles becoming Bichel’s seventh victim - but Andrew Caddick ensured Australia’s chase would be no formality by knocking over their top four of Gilchrist, Hayden, Ponting and Martyn to leave the chase faltering at 48-4.
The seamer’s spell, which included a double-wicket maiden, forced Michael Bevan and Darren Lehmann to consolidate and the pair added 63 in 20 overs.
But from 111-4 Australia lost three wickets for as many runs, including that of the dangerous Andrew Symonds for a duck – caught and bowled by Giles.
When Craig White’s direct hit accounted for Brett Lee, England appeared in the box-seat only for Bevan ‘the finisher’ and Bichel to cut loose in a record ninth-wicket stand for Australia against England in ODI cricket of 73.
Bevan (74no off 126 balls) completed a famous Australian victory – and ended a match memorable for its many ebbs and flows – by striking Flintoff to the rope, securing a two-wicket win with just two balls left.
Watch the best of the action on Sky Sports for iPad, Sky Go or by signing in to watch the video. Then don't miss our extended World Cup Classics series on Sky Sports once the 2015 ICC World Cup begins on February 13.
