Decoding the fastest ODI fifties for Australia vs England
Australian cricket team opener Matthew Short etched his name in the history books with a breathtaking knock against England. Short slammed the fastest ODI fifty by an Aussie batter versus England (balls faced). He attained the milestone in the 5th and final ODI at County Ground, Bristol on Sunday. Here we look at Australians with the fastest ODI half-centuries against England.
Matthew Short - 23 balls
Short came all guns blazing in a chase of 310 as he made optimum utilization of the powerplay overs. He completed his fifty off just 23 balls as the opposition bowlers looked utterly clueless against him. Short was eventually dismissed for 58 from 30 balls, slamming 7 fours and 4 sixes. Nevertheless, Australia won the contest by DLS method.
James Faulkner - 24 balls
A dream finish from James Faulkner helped Australia post a match-winning 278/8 in the 2015 Perth ODI against England. He joined Mitchell Johnson with the scorecard reading 224/8. The duo added 45 runs, out of which Johnson scored just 3. Faulkner, who completed his fifty off on the last ball of the innings, returned unbeaten on 50 off 24 balls (4 fours, 4 sixes).
Mitchell Marsh - 26 balls
Mitchell Marsh was at his best in the 2015 Lord's match against the Brits. Batting at number seven, he attacked bowlers from the outset and scored runs all over the park. He aced the finisher's role that day, registering a fifty off just 26 balls. He was dismissed for a 31-ball 64 as Australia posted 309/7 and later won by 67 runs.
Matthew Wade - 26 balls
Matthew Wade scooped and flicked en route to a 26-ball fifty in the 2015 Leeds ODI against England. The wicketkeeper-batter, who arrived at number seven, was at his unconventional best as he played some freak shots. He returned unbeaten on 50 as Australia finished at 299/7. England later chased down the target.
