England’s Champions Trophy bid began with a damaging defeat as Australia pulled off an epic chase of 352 to counter Ben Duckett’s 165 in Lahore.
Opener Duckett took England to 351-8 – the highest score in Champions Trophy history – only for Josh Inglis to hit a sensational 120 not out from 86 balls to complete the chase with five wickets and 15 balls to spare.
It was the highest score England have failed to defend in one-day internationals, made worse by the fact they had their old rivals 136-4 at one stage.
From there Inglis, Australia’s number five born and raised in Yorkshire, put on 146 in 116 balls with Alex Carey to drag his side back into the contest.
Carey, having been dropped on 49, was caught for 69 with 70 runs needed from 51 balls and Inglis took charge.
He flogged England for six sixes – the third bringing up his first ODI century in 77 balls and the sixth sealing the highest successful chase in a global 50-over tournament.
It compounded fears England failed to capitalise fully on being 200-2 after 30 overs on a fine batting pitch – a surface that only improved under the lights.
Jos Buttler’s England now have little room for manoeuvre in their final two group-stage fixtures, against Afghanistan on Wednesday and South Africa next Saturday, if they are to finish in the top two and reach the semi-finals.
