Aussie Under 19s clinch series over England

Australia’s Under-19s team has romped to a 3-1 series victory over England courtesy of a comprehensive seven-wicket win at Murdoch University Ground in Perth.

On another perfect day for Cricket, the Australians won the toss for the third match in a row and sent England in to bat first on what looked a great pitch for batting.

The decision proved a masterstroke from Australia captain Jaron Morgan, as local quick Jhye Richardson decimated the English top order with 4-33.

Richardson was in fact on a hat-trick in the first over of the match, first removing England captain Joe Weatherly with a perfectly executed off-cutter that cannoned into the top of off-stump, then catching Aneurin Donald’s leading edge for a chance that sailed to mid-on.

And while the hat-trick didn’t eventuate, he didn’t have to wait long to claim his third victim, Ryan Davies, who was caught at short leg by Jake Carder.

After Liam Guthrie dismissed allrounder Callum Taylor, England were left in the unenviable position of 5-34, and already staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat.

Resistance came in the form of Aaron Thomason who crafted a clever knock of 70 from 114 balls, and helped take his side to the last ball of the innings before they lost their final wicket at 138. Thomason was ably supported by Brad Taylor and Ben Green, who played nice little cameos to help England see out their innings.

Supporting the superb Richardson was Henry Thornton, with two wickets of his own, and spinners Riley Ayre (2-24) and Sam Grimwade (0-16).

The Australian batsmen seized the momentum very early in their run chase, with openers Sam Heazlett and local batting talent Carder scoring at will.

The opening stand was wonderful to watch as both batsmen played some classic cricket shots before Heazlett was bowled for 47 from 46 deliveries.

Sam Harper was unable to add to his impressive knock from Saturday, dismissed for one, before Patrick Page chipped in with a handy 20 after being elevated up the order.

Jake Doran (8 not out) and Carder (52 not out) saw the Australians past the English total in the 28th over, after Doran lofted a ball off Will Davis for four.

The final game of the series is on at Murdoch University on Thursday, with Doran needing 62 runs to surpass Cameron Bancroft as Australia’s highest-ever youth ODI run scorer.