England vs Australia, AUS in ENG, 3 T20Is, 2024 Full score card

DONE AND DUSTED! ENGLAND WIN BY 3 WICKETS! This is now the highest successful run chase at the Sophia Gardens by any team. Adil Rashid finishes the job for the home side to level the series by 1-1 and England maintain their impressive winning record at Cardiff in the T20Is. Matthew Short fires it, full and outside off, Adil Rashid opens the bat's face and slices it through the point region for an easy single. Overall, it has been a fantastic game of cricket with both sides having their moments.

Adil Rashid comes out to the middle to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! IN THE AIR...AND TAKEN! 5-FER FOR SHORT! He has bowled brilliantly in this match and it's a well-deserved one! Matthew Short slows it up, full and around leg stump line, Brydon Carse dances down the track to take the aerial route but is months early in the shot as he gets beaten by the lack of pace. Goes through the shot and gets the connection on the higher part of the willow and the ball travels into the air over the mid-wicket region. Tim David from mid on calls for his catch, runs to his right and takes a good running catch. Matthew Short is on a Hat-Trick now.

Brydon Carse walks out to bat now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! A consolation wicket for Australia as Liam Livingstone departs after playing a match-winning knock of 87! A remarkable 50th T20I for Livingstone though! Matthew Short stays around the pegs and darts in a pinpoint yorker on the stumps, Liam Livingstone again charges down to drill it down the ground but misses to connect and the ball goes to shatter the stumps in a blink. Short gets his 4th wicket.

FOUR! SCORES LEVEL! Too full and on middle, Liam Livingstone uses his feet, gets his bat underneath the ball, finds the middle of the bat and drills it down the ground for a boundary.

WIDE! Pitched down leg, Liam Livingstone goes for a pull shot but misses. Wided.

SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! Liam Livingstone moves into his 80s with that mammoth strike into the crowd! Under double figures is what England need to win now, just a hit away! Matthew Short misses his length and serves a friendly half-volley on the stumps line, Liam Livingstone picks the bones out of it, charges down and spanks it high and handsome, several rows behind long on for a six.

Full and on middle and leg, Overton drills it down to long off for a single.

Absolutely electric, is Livingstone between the wickets! Full from Abbott outside off, Livingstone slogs it wide of long on and David does well to make a tumbling stop in the deep. Returns a flat throw at the striker's end and Livingstone dives to get home. Two taken. England need 13 off the last 12 deliveries.

Pace off, on the fullish length, Jamie Overton chips it towards the left of Abbott for a single.

Banged in short by Abbott and Livingstone pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

In the air...Dropped! Sean Abbott lands it full and on the stumps, Liam Livingstone wrists his flick aerially but gets no real timing on it. The ball travels in the night sky towards deep mid-wicket where Matthew Short runs to his right, bends low to take the catch but fails to hold onto the ball in his hands and it pops out. The batters cross for a double.

Good bowling! Attacks the middle stump by using the width and bowling it wider of the crease. Pitched full and on middle, Jamie Overton closes the bat face early, ends up getting a leading edge to the off side for a single.

Short in length, over the pegs, Livingstone pulls it to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Sean Abbott (3-0-29-2) to bowl out now.

Flighted delivery on the stumps, Livingstone knocks it down the ground to long on for a run.

Short and turning in on leg from over the wicket, Overton works it through backward square leg for a single.

Jamie Overton comes out to the middle now.

OUT! TAKEN! Matthew Short with a double whammy and this is turning out to be a really clever bowling change from Australia! Matthew Short picks up his third wicket and half of the English side is back into the sheds now. Short lands it full and fires it in around off, Sam Curran gets his dancing shoes on and skips down the track to attack aerially. But ends up losing his shape as he tries to hit it too hard. Ends up slicing it over the cover-point region where Cooper Connolly settles underneath, moves backward it and takes a good reverse cup catch. He tumbles with the momentum but sustains the ball in his hands. It was an unnecessary shot from Curran given England are in a comfortable position.

Pushed full and on leg, Liam Livingstone flicks it along the ground to wide long on for a single.

Tossed up on the stumps, Curran pushes it to long on and opens his account with a single.

Sam Curran walks out to bat now.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! The gamble to bring in Matthew Short has worked for Australia and the 90-run stand between Bethell and Livingstone comes to an end. Matthew Short bowls it from around the wickets, and darts in a flatter and a fuller length ball, on the off stump line, Jacob Bethell premeditates the shot, sits down, switches his stance to reverse sweep it away but it is too full to execute that shot and Bethell gets beaten all ends up as the ball clips the outside of off stump. Jacob Bethell departs on an impressive 44 from 24 balls.

'Catch' is the call from Inglis, but it lands well ahead of long off. Too slow and well outside off on a fullish length, Jacob Bethell tilts forward with a long stride and is a bit early in the shot. Slices it over mid off as the ball dribbles on a couple of bounces to long off for a single.

Tossed up, full and around off, Liam Livingstone strides ahead and drives it with straight bat face down to long off for a single.

Flat and quick, driven hard but straight to Cooper Connolly at extra cover.

Excellent running! Tossed and pushed through, full and outside off, Liam Livingstone charges down to the pitch and plays it to the covers with a horizontal bat, leaning onto the ball. Finds Cooper Connolly at extra cover who parries the ball to the mid off region and the batters take the advantage to convert a single into a double.

Quicker one at 97 kph, drifting and sliding down the leg stump on a fullish length, Liam Livingstone tickles it fine towards deep fine with soft hands and along the ground for a couple of runs.

Full and flat on the middle, Liam Livingstone chops it on to the off side as it stays a bit low on the bounce.

Change? Nope, Adam Zampa to continue for his last over. He is 3-0-31-0 so far.

Fuller and on off, Jacob Bethell drives it straight to mid off. England needs 31 runs in the last 5 overs!

SIX! Man out there but he will just watch it sail it over his head! Sean Abbott bangs this short and angling into the leg side, Jacob Bethell just helps it on its way as the ball flies over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Good length and on off, Liam Livingstone gets a bit squared up and steers it through point for another run.

Short of a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket, Cooper Connolly fumbles a bit and allows the second run.

Hard length and on middle, Jacob Bethell backs away and punches it through covers for a single.

Back of a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone pats it down through mid on for a single.

Head has now summoned his most trusted and experienced bowler, Sean Abbott. He is 2-0-18-2 so far and replaces Stoinis.

Quicker, shortish and on off, Jacob Bethell keeps it out to the off side. 20 runs off the over then. England needs 42 runs in 36 balls now!

The crowd is right behind the youngster now! Shorter in length, outside off, Jacob Bethell slices it wide of deep point for a brace.

FOUR! Good effort in the deep but in vain! Short again and on middle, Jacob Bethell moves back and heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket, Cameron Green runs to his right and dives to push it back inside, but his body touches the ropes while he does that. The TV Umpire is having a look but Cameron Green is very certain that he has saved it. The replays show that his right leg is indeed in contact with the boundary cushions there and it has been called a boundary. 150 up for England with that.

FOUR! Short and punished! Adam Zampa drags his length back and outside off, Jacob Bethell rocks back and crunches it away through extra covers for another boundary.

SIX! Oh..wow! You don't see many batters take on Adam Zampa like this! Flighted, full and on middle, Jacob Bethell skips down the track again, gets to the pitch of the ball and with a full swing of the bat and dispatches it high and handsomely over the long on fence for a biggie.

FOUR! The youngster joining the party slowly now! Floated, full and around off, Jacob Bethell uses his feet, reaches out for it and drags it away between long on and deep mid-wcket for a boundary.

Adam Zampa is back into the attack now.

Short again, on middle, but slower as well, Liam Livingstone goes through his pull shot early and misses. 18 runs off the over! And England are running ahead as Australia were 119/3 at this phase.

Short again and on middle, Jacob Bethell pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! A boundary now! Pressure on Marcus Stoinis! Short of a length and around middle, Liam Livingstone pulls it away, picks the gap perfectly towards the deep square leg fence for four more runs. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

SIX! FIFTY FOR LIVINGSTONE! He gets to it in some style as well. A fantastic half-century in his 50th T20I. Full again and around middle, Liam Livingstone uses his string wrists and whips it over the deep square leg fence for another biggie.

SIX! Sounds good, and goes well over! Marcus Stoinis serves this right in the slot, on middle, angling in as well, Liam Livingstone stays deep in his crease and throws the kitchen sink at it to whack it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Marcus Stoinis (1-0-13-0) replaces Cameron Green.

Quicker, full and on middle, Jacob Bethell drives it down the pitch, Cooper Connolly dives to his left to make a good stop. England need 80 more runs to win in 48 balls remaining.

Darted in, full and on off, Jacob Bethell drills it straight to cover.

WIDE! Fired full, but down leg, Bethell sits down to sweep but misses. Wide is called.

SIX! Jacob Bethell goes big this time now! Tossed up, full and just around off, Jacob Bethell sits down on one knee, and nails his slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Darts in a yorker, outside off, Jacob Bethell digs it out towards extra covers.

Gets away with this here! The ball slips and Cooper Connolly ends up bowling a full toss, on leg, Liam Livingstone tries to heave it away but tries to hit it too hard, mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Floated, full and on off, Jacob Bethell uses his feet and drills it down to long off for a single.

OUCH! Back of a length and on middle, does not bounce that much, Liam Livingstone looks to pull but misses and gets hit right on the box, he goes screaming 'Oooohhh'. That will hurt and sting!

SIX! Gets it over the ropes this time! Cameron Green bowls this on a hard length and around middle, with no fine leg in place, Liam Livingstone moves across a bit again, connects with his scoop well as the ball sails over the fine leg fence for six runs.

Short of a length and outside off, Liam Livingstone punches it away wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Good length and angling down the leg side, Liam Livingstone moves across to scoop it again, but misses. It is called a wide.

FOUR! Extraordinary shot! Cameron Green serves this full and on middle, Liam Livingstone goes down across, changes his grip a bit and scoops it away while falling over, he gets more than enough for it to go to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Jacob Bethell pats it in front of covers for a quick run.

On a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone nudges it through square leg for a single.

Drinks! This game is in the balance at the halfway mark. England needs 104 in the last 10 overs, and the main responsibility lies with Liam Livingstone who is set, but he will also need some quick scores from the others as well as they cannot afford to chew up deliveries now. Australia have done well to contain the batters in the last few overs and will look to maintain that to create more pressure and get wickets to gain full control of the game. Cameron Green (1-0-9-0) to continue after the hydration break. He replaces Matthew Short.

EDGED AND FOUR! A little bit of luck for Bethell and Zampa is not happy with this! Zampa bowls a quicker one, full and flat around off, Jacob Bethell skips down the track to push it to the off side but gets hurried and loses his shape, plays inside the line of the ball and ends up outside edging it through the short third region for a boundary. Halfway into the chase now, and England are 90/3 after 10 overs.

Sees the batter charging down, Zampa slows it up and pulls his length a bit, keeps it on the leg stump line, Jacob Bethell waits for it and adjusts to push it to the leg side with soft hands.

Quite full around off, Jacob leans on the ball and pushes it back to Zampa.

Smashed but only a single! Dropped short and on middle and leg, Liam Livingstone gets a good bounce and tries to pounce on it, pulls it flat and straight to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A slider, on off and on a good length, Jacob Bethell punches it off the back foot, down to long on for a single.

Looped up, and away from the batter's arc, well outside off, Liam Livingstone makes room but has to reach out to it as he expands his long levers but can only pat it towards the off side for a single.

Drifts it on the pads, on a length, Liam Livingstone tickles it to the fine leg region for a single to retain his strike.

Dragged length, on the middle, Jacob Bethell rocks back and tucks it to the left of the bowler for a single to wide long on.

Too full, on the stumps, this is flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted delivery at the stumps, Bethell rocks back and knocks it down to long on for a single to get off the mark.

Jacob Bethell is the next man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Matthew Short makes an immediate impact and dismisses the English skipper! Matthew Short drops a flatter one, around the middle and off stump channel, Phil Salt looks to access the area down the ground and attempts to take the aerial route. He though fails to get his bat properly underneath the ball and mistimes it into the air. The ball spoons over the long off region where Sean Abbott takes a comfortable catch. Phil Salt departs on 39 off 23 deliveries and England are in a bit of a pickle at 79/3.

Short and on the middle, Liam Livingstone weighs on the back foot and pulls it along the grass to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Spin from both ends as Matthew Short comes into the attack as well.

A brilliant start for Zampa! Floats it up, full and drifts it on the leg stump line, Liam Livingstone drills it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted one, on the stumps, this is clipped to deep mid-wicket for a single by Salt.

At 93 kph, full and around off, Salt taps his front leg ahead and drives through covers for a couple of easy runs.

Fuller delivery angling into the pads, Salt looks to knock it down the ground, gets beaten on the inside edge onto his back pad.

Flat, quick and on the stumps, on a length, Phil Salt negotiates well and punches it solidly to the cover region. A bit of yes and no between the wickets as the throw is wayward toward the square leg.

Zampa begins with a fuller one, on the stumps, Phil Salt gets forward and pushes it firmly back to the bowler.

Australia needs a wicket and no surprises as Adam Zampa has been introduced into the attack now.

Short of a good length, over the pegs, Salt pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for an easy single to retain the strike.

Back of a length and around off, with pace off, Livingstone plays it late, taps it to the left of backward point for a quick single.

Full toss from Green, attacking the stumps, Salt chips it down to the long on region for a single.

FOUR! Nice shot that! Short in length, angling on the leg stump line, Phil Salt whips it across with his wrists and gets it through deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Short of a length and outside off, Liam Livingstone cuts it hard but straight towards point, the fielder lets it through and allows a run.

Back of a length and around middle and leg, Salt tucks it to the right of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Cameron Green comes into the attack after the end of the Powerplay.

FOUR! Superb shot that! Banged it short from Abbott into the wicket, with pace off, Livingstone waits for it, pulls it hard in front of square along the ground between the gap of square leg and mid-wicket for a boundary to end the Powerplay. England are just a couple of runs behind Australia at the end of field restrictions, but they have lost one extra wicket.

FOUR! Races away and evades JFM! Length ball from Abbott around middle and leg, Livingstone stays in his crease, heaves it away on the leg side towards deep square leg, but doesn't connect it properly though, the ball rolls to the left of Jake Fraser-McGurk this time who stretches his left hand but fails to stop the boundary.

Oh, what happened there? But, excellent running between the wickets! Slower and shorter on off, Phil Salt drags it towards deep square leg and calls for a couple straightaway. Jake Fraser-McGurk in the deep runs fumbles and allows them to take an extra run. Three taken.

Hard-length delivery around off, Livingstone gets behind the line of the ball, taps it in front of cover and steals a quick single.

FOUR! A long chase for Inglis but it gets through! Sean Abbott bowls it wide as Livingstone charges down the track, on a length, well outside off, Liam Livingstone looks to drag it to the leg side but inside edges it over the pegs. The ball rolls towards the deep fine region as Josh Inglis gives it a long chase. But, the ball has enough wheels on it to win the race eventually.

Pace off on the off stump line, Phil Salt waits for it to arrive at him and dabs it with soft hands to the off side for a quick single.

Clever bowling! Marcus Stoinis takes pace off, lands this short of a length and on middle, Liam Livingstone once again uses his feet to pull it away but misses it completely due to the lack of pace.

Pitched up and on off, Liam Livingstone drills it towards mid off.

SIX! Wow..this goes way into the stands! Marcus Stoinis serves this a bit fuller, on middle, Liam Livingstone dances down the track, takes no half-measures and absolutely belts it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Good length and on middle, Liam Livingstone flicks it away with sweet timing wide of deep square leg for a brace. Gets off the mark!

Short of a length and on middle, Phil Salt pulls it towards deep mid-wickrt for a single.

FOUR! Gets it through! Marcus Stoinis bowls this on a good length and just around off, Phil Salt opens the bat face slightly and plays it late as well to steer it between point and short third for a boundary.

A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down! On a length and around middle, shaping in sharply, Liam Livingstone looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the knee roll. Travis Head looks very interested and takes the review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows that it is missing the wickets and sliding down the leg stump. Australia wastes a review here!

Absolute peach of a delivery! Starts from the off stump line and curves away from the batter, towards the fifth stump line, Liam Livingstone gets squared up and hangs his bat away from his body, gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

WIDE! He will have to reload that one again! Abbott bangs it into the surface, but short and down the leg side, wide signaled by the umpire

Oh..beauty again! Hard length and on off, jags back in sharply again, Liam Livingstone just like Cox gets cut in half as the ball goes past the inside edge to the keeper.

Liam Livingstone is in at number 4.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Sean Abbott with the double whammy! Great setup with the slower one, but goes with pace on this time, hard length and just on off, nips back in sharply, Jordan Cox gets stuck in his crease and gets cut in half as well. Before he can do anything, the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. Cox goes back for a duck! England have now lost two quick wickets in just a span of three deliveries and are now 34/2 in 3.3 overs.

A slip in place now for Abbott. He bowls a good-length delivery around middle stump line, Jordan Cox defends on the front foot back to the bowler.

Jordan Cox is in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Sean Abbott draws first blood straightaway! This is exactly how Will Jacks got out in the first game and falls early again. Fuller in length and on the pads, takes pace off as well, Will Jacks looks to pick it up and scoop it away, but fails to generate the power required, it goes high up in the air towards deep fine where Jake Fraser-McGurk comes forward and pouches it safely. He was the only fielder in the deep on that side and unfortunately, Jacks picked him up. England lose their first! Will Jacks departs on 12 (10) and England are 34/2 in 3.1 overs.

Just one over for young Connolly. Sean Abbott is now introduced into the attack now.

Hard length and on off Will Jacks flicks it away towards deep mid-wicket for a run. 21 runs off the over and England gets on track with the chase.

Pitched up but going down the leg side, Will Jacks misses his flick. Wided.

Slower one, on a length and on leg, Phil Salt nudges it through square leg for a single.

A bit of a halt in the proceedings as the ball has travelled miles and behind the sightscreen. It has been retrieved now and we are good to continue.

SIX! THREE IN A ROW NOW! Phil Salt at his best! This is a full delivery, on middle, in the slot as well, easy pickings for the English skipper as he launches it over the long on fence for the third biggie of this over. The biggest one as well!

SIX! BOOM! Even bigger and better! Aaron Hardie sees the batter charge and bowls this short again, on middle and leg, Phil Salt is clever here as he fakes the charge forward, but stays in his crease, picks it up off his pads and whips it away nonchalantly over the deep square leg fence again for half a dozen more.

SIX! BANG! Connects this time alright! Short of a length again, but this one sits up nicely for the batter, on middle, Phil Salt gets into a great position early and pulls it away over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Swing and a miss! Aaron Hardie bangs his one short and around off, shapes away a bit and dies down a bit as well, Phil Salt heaves across the line but fails to connect.

Another short delivery, on off, Will Jacks punches it straight towards mid off. Good comeback from Cooper Connolly after getting hit on the first ball.

Short again and around off, Will Jacks cuts it away, the fielder at covers dives to his left to make the stop.

Goes a bit short, on middle, Will Jacks tucks it away with soft hands towards the vacant mid-wicket region, Connolly has to field it himself and the batters get another double here.

Arm-ball now, full and angling in sharply, Will Jacks goes inside out and initially looks to loft it over covers, but has to adjust and swipes it away wide of deep mid-wicket for another couple of runs.

Flatter, full and on middle, Will Jacks clips it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Darts this one full and on middle, angling down the leg, Will Jacks goes down across to sweep it but misses. Wided.

FOUR! England attacking the youngster immediately! Cooper Connolly begins with a floater, full and on off, Will Jacks backs away a bit, gets underneath the hall and smacks it over mid off for a boundary. First one of this chase!

Immediate spin introduction by Australia. Cooper Connolly is into the attack.

On a length and around off, Will Jacks guides it through point for a run. Just two runs off the first over then!

Full again, on off, Will Jacks taps it out in front of cover-point.

Uppish but safe! Touch fuller and around off, shaping away, this one sticks to the surface, Phil Salt is early into his push, ends up chipping it aerially as the ball just lands wide of covers. They cross. England are underway!

BEAUTY! Aaron Hardie hits the good length in that channel outside off, gets it to nip and this one takes off as well, Phil Salt gets surprised by it and the ball zips past the outside edge to the keeper.

Fuller one and around middle, Phil Salt drills it hard down the ground but fails to beat mid on.

Little bit of shape! Aaron Hardie starts with a good-length delivery, on off, moves away a bit, Phil Salt stays back and pushes it towards covers.

Just a leg bye to end the innings! Sam Curran hits the length hard, on middle, angling in as well, Cameron Green fails to get a bat on that as it goes off his pads to the leg side. The batters cross for a leg bye as Curran misses his shy at the bowler's end. Australia finishes on 193/6!

Overpitched and outside off again, Aaron Hardie drills it away towards deep point for a single.

Fuller, outside off, but a bit too much, Aaron Hardie swings again but misses. Wided again!

Back of a length and on middle, Aaron Hardie pulls it away wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running. Well, Australia are past that 190-mark!

Goes for the wide yorker, but this is way outside off, Aaron Hardie fails to reach it. Wided.

SIX! Into the crowd! 14 runs already with half the over still to go! Sam Curran lands this on a good length, on middle, angling in, Aaron Hardie uses the depth of his crease and whacks it away, gets enough bat on it to sail over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! This is not good bowling from Sam Curran. There is no protection in the deep, but he still bowls this full and outside off, Aaron Hardie just has to get some bat on it and he does exactly that slicing it over point for four more runs.

FOUR! Great start to the over for the Aussies! Sam Curran misses the yorker and bowls this in the slot, on middle, Aaron Hardie clears his front leg away and whips it away between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Sam Curran (2-0-18-1) will bowl the final over.

A low full toss, on middle, Cameron Green tries to slog it a bit too hard, loses his shape and mistimes it wide of long on for a brace. Australia will be looking to get something near 190 here!

No run.

Saqib Mahmood nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Aaron Hardie just manages to get his bat down in time to dig it out as the ball hits his pads and stays put. The batters sets off for the run again and makes it as Mahmood's kick does not hit the stumps. Interestingly, England takes a review here but UltraEdge confirms bat is involved and they lose the review.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Cameron Green looks to swipe it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. A quick run is taken.

SIX! Salt to the wounds! Saqib Mahmood lands this short again, on middle, slower too, Cameron Green picks up the length early, waits for it a bit and hammers it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

DROPPED! That should have been taken! Overton, with two catches already, shells this one. Short of a length and on middle, Cameron Green pulls it away, but does not get the timing right, this goes up in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Jamie Overton runs forward, squats and tries to grab it but spills it out. Two runs taken. This could be costly for England!

Saqib Mahmood (2-0-25-0) is back into the attack and will bowl the penultimate over.

Excellent over! Hard length and around off, keeps it away from the batter, Cameron Green uses his feet and swats it towards long off for just one. Just 4 runs and a wicket off it!

Back of a length around off, Hardie guides it to wide of deep third for a single.

Touch fuller, on off, Cameron Green drills it towards long off for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Aaron Hardie heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

An off-cutter, on a length and on off, turns away, Aaron Hardie looks to play at it but misses it.

Aaron Hardie is in at number 8.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Sam Curran strikes straightaway in his second over! England gets two in two balls and are in a great position to restrict the Aussies here. This is a slower delivery, full and around leg, Josh Inglis tries to pick it up and whip it away, but goes through his shot early as he fails to read the change of pace, gets a top edge and the ball goes high in the air towards deep square leg, Brydon Carse runs forward and takes a fine catching sliding forward. Australia six down now!

Cameron Green is in at number 7.  Sam Curran (1-0-14-0) is back into the attack, he replaces Adil Rashid.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brydon Carse finishes the over with a big wicket here! He bangs this one hard on the pitch, effort ball, this one takes off a bit and skids through again, Tim David looks to pull it away but gets into a very awkward position, the ball goes past the toe-end of his bat, and there is a noise as well, Phil Salt grabs it and appeals. The umpire takes his time and then puts up his finger. However, David takes the review after a chat with his partner. UltraEdge shows a spike and Australia lose David and a review as well! The lean run for Tim David with the bat continues.

Good pace! Good length and on the sixth stump line, skids through the surface, Tim David stays back and looks to keep it out but plays inside the line of it as it goes through to the keeper.

Hard length and around middle, Josh Inglis heaves it through mid-wicket for a single.

Short of a length and on middle, angles in, slower too, Josh Inglis goes through his pull shot early as the ball goes off his gloves to the keeper on the bounce.

FOUR! Right from the middle of the bat this time! Back of a length and around off, Josh Inglis stays firmly in his crease, gets on top of that and slaps it past the diving mid off fielder for another boundary.

FOUR! Gets it through! Brydon Carse follows the batter and bowls this on a good length, outside off, Josh Inglis moves a long way across to scoop it away, gets it from the inner half of his bat, but the ball goes well past the keeper and to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

A bit short and on middle, Josh Inglis works it through mid-wicket for one. 15 runs off the over!

FOUR! Fantastic shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Josh Inglis gets down on one knee, changes his stance and nails the reverse sweep through point for another boundary.

Goes short now, on middle, Josh Inglis moves back and pulls it away in between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg, two fielders works in tandem and keeps it down to two runs.

Quicker, full and outside off, Josh Inglis drills it away wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

SIX! Up, up and away! Flighted delivery and around middle, Josh Inglis once again skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it ten rows back over the long on fence for a biggie. He will hope for a few more of these!

Floated, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Josh Inglis uses his feet and knocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, around middle, clipped away to deep square leg for a single.

Dragged length and flatter through the air, outside off, Josh Inglis looks to push away from his body, gets beaten on the outside edge.

Length ball from Livingstone around middle and leg, David gets back and works it away down to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Tim David is the next man in. A slip is in place for him as well.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Liam Livingstone does the trick again for England! He gets his second wicket! Liam Livingstone tosses it up on a fullish length, drifting it around middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis clears his front leg to make some room and attempts to take the aerial route but doesn't quite commit fully into the shot and ends up chipping it high in the skies over long on. Jamie Overton stationed at the mentioned position moves a few yards ahead and to his right, and settles underneath it comfortably. Australia have now slipped from 119/2 to 131/4 in just 11 deliveries.

Short of a length and at the stumps, Inglis pulls it along the ground down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Gets it through! Fuller delivery from Livingstone around off, it turns away from the batter, Inglis gets down on one knee, plays the reverse paddle, connects with the glove though, and gets it past the short third as the ball races to the fence for a boundary. Livingstone thinks that it has clipped the pad first, so turns around and appeals for LBW but none of the players other than him look really interested.

Short of a length by Rashid, wide outside off, Inglis cuts it hard down to the sweeper in the deep on the off side for a single.

Excellent work there in the deep by Jordan Cox! Saves a certain boundary there. Back of a length at the stumps, Inglis rocks back and pulls it between the gap of deep mid wicket and long on. Jordan Cox at deep mid-wicket moves to his left and intecepts the ball, lobs it to his partner who converges in from long on. The batters cross for a double.

Flatter delivery around middle and leg, Stoinis tucks it down to deep square leg off the back foot for a single.

Looped up, on the fuller length, at leg stump line, Josh Inglis looks to pick the bones out of by taking the aeiral route, but only manages to inside edge it to the square leg region for a single.

Short of a length and wide outside off, Stoinis rocks back and cuts it down to deep backward point for a single.

Too full, around leg, Josh Inglis looks to clip it away but closes the bat face a bit early, gets a leading edge to the off side for a single.

Some spin now! Tossed up, short and turning sharply away from outside off, Marcus Stoinis opts out from the back foot punch.

Low full toss from Livingstone around off, Stoinis smashes it hard down the ground as the ball crashes onto the stumps at the bowler end. Livingstone dives to his right but fails to get any fingertips on it. Inglis wasn't out of his crease anyways.

Marcus Stoinis or as fans call him 'The Hulk' comes out to the middle now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! A 50 and out for Jake Fraser-McGurk! Liam Livingstone again into the wickets now. Tossed-up delivery outside off, Livingstone keeps it away from the arc of the batter, and delivers a googly, Jake Fraser-McGurk does not quite read the wrong'un well, leans forward and looks to smash it over long on, gets the toe end of his bat, mistimes it straight down to long on where Jamie Overton gets underneath and takes a good catch. Jake Fraser-McGurk departs on 50 (31).

Too full and outside off, JFM doesn't get his bat underneath it and hits it straight to cover.

A low full toss on the pads, Jake Fraser-McGurk clips it with soft hands to deep square leg for a couple of runs. A maiden T20I FIFTY for Jake Fraser-McGurk!

Short of a length around off, turning away, Jake Fraser-McGurk punches it back to the bowler.

Too full and JFM opens the face of his bat and slices it down to deep extra cover for a single to retain strike.

A bit full and at 130 kph, on the middle, Josh Inglis goes for a big heave across, gets it off the inside half of the bat towards deep backward square leg for one.

FOUR! What a shot! Short and on the stumps, Josh Inglis swivels and pulls it behind the square and pins the gap between deep square leg and deep fine for a boundary.

Fuller delivery attacking the stumps, right on the blockhole, Inglis digs it back to the bowler

Pitched-up delivery at the stumps, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks to drive it down the ground, gets an inside edge down to deep mid wicket for a single.

WIDE! Banged it short from Topley down the leg side, wide signaled

SIX! Incredible shot! Reece Topley bangs it into the surface from 'round the stumps, Jake Fraser-McGurk makes room by swaying away from the line and staying leg side. He does get enough bat on the aerial slash and Jacob Bethell at deep covers tries to scoop it inside the field with a jump but goes into the fence with the momentum. Six runs.

Slow, and on a length, outside off, Inglis punches it straight to cover.

Fuller delivery around off, JFM drills it down to long off for a single.

Sees the batter charging down the track, Liam Livingstone adjusts his line and length, drops a flatter and wider one, on a length, Josh Inglis makes amends to his shot and just drops it near the strip.

Length ball outside off, on a quicker pace and a flatter trajectory, JFM stays deep in his crease, cuts it through the cover for a single.

100 up for Australia! Pushed through, full and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk drives it along the ground through the covers for a couple of runs.

A leg break, into the pitch, Jake Fraser-McGurk pulls it through wide mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Drinks! After a blazing start for Australia, courtesy of Travis Head's explosive batting, England have kind of redeemed themselves after the fielding restrictions were lifted. Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid have proved to be an economical bowling tandem for them as they both have struck the big fishes and have managed to prevent Australia from running away. While Jake Fraser-McGurk is well settled now, England will aim to send him back as quickly as possible whereas, Australia would want to construct another solid partnership. Also, Liam Livingstone to bowl after the break.

Good length and just outside off, Jake Fraser-McGurk backs away a bit and chips it away, does not get it from the middle of the bat but gets enough for it to go over extra covers, the batters take three by the time the fielders chasing gets to the ball.

Swing and a miss! Brydon Carse hits the length hard at 138 clicks, on middle, gets a bit of extra bounce as well, Jake Fraser-McGurk stays back and has a wild heave across the line but only connects with thin air.

Goes fuller and on off, Josh Inglis drives it towards mid off for a quick run.

Short of a length and on off, angling in, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks to cut it away but ends up bunting it down to point for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Jake Fraser-McGurk punches it hard but straight to extra covers.

FOUR! Powered away! Brydon Carse lands this on a hard length and outside off, Jake Fraser-McGurk gets the chance to free his arms, makes a bit of room and carves it away through point for a blazing boundary.

Flatter, short and on off, Josh Inglis punches it straight to cover-point.

Josh Inglis is in at number 4.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Adil Rashid strikes and this is turning out to be a good little comeback phase for England! The pressure was building and something had to happen here. This is the googly, slower through the air, full and on middle, turns in a shy bit, Matthew Short looks to take it on and goes for the big slog across the line, but goes through it very early, misses it completely and the ball shatters the stumps. Short goes back after a decent knock! Australia lose their second wicket and are 87/2 in 8.5 overs.

Quicker, short and on middle, Jake Fraser-McGurk forces it towards long on for one.

Short and on middle, Jake Fraser-McGurk pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket, the fielder fumbles a bit and allows the second run.

SIX! BOOM! Adil Rashid tosses it up, full and on off, this one is right in the slot, Jake Fraser-McGurk gets his from leg out of the way and tonks it way over the long off fence for a biggie.

Loopy low full toss, on off, Matthew Short drills it down to long off for a single.

Goes short again, on middle, Matthew Short pulls it through mid-wicket for one more. England starting to create pressure now!

Hard length and around off, Jake Fraser-McGurk punches it through covers for one.

Change of pace now, back of a length and on middle, Matthew Short goes through his pull shot early, it goes off his gloves to the left of the keeper, the batters take the run. Phil Salt picks up and has a shy at the bowler's end but it ends up hitting Short.

Good length and around middle, Matthew Short has a heave across the line, gets it from the inside half of the bat as the ball rolls wide of deep mid-wicket, the batters turn back for the second and make their home safely. The throw came in at the bowler's end but it needed to be a better one.

Back of a length and angling into the body off the batter, Jake Fraser-McGurk adjusts well and nudges it off his hips through square leg for a run.

Short of a length and on middle, Matthew Short pulls it away towards deep square leg for a single.

Brydon Carse (1-0-1-1) is back into the attack, he replaces Sam Curran.

Great bowling! Adil Rashid is mixing up his lengths nicely here. He slows it up, full and around off, Matthew Short taps it past covers for just one. Just three off the over!

Flatter, short and outside off, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks to cut it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps and towards short fine. They cross.

Three dots in a row now! Flighted full and around off, Jake Fraser-McGurk pushes it straight to covers, he wants the run but is sent back just in time. Pressure building!

Pushed through quicker, short and on middle, angles in sharply, Jake Fraser-McGurk does not have much room and stabs it down the pitch.

Loopy delivery, right in the blockhole, Jake Fraser-McGurk only manages to dig it back to the bowler.

Adil Rashid starts with a floated delivery, full and on middle, Matthew Short drills it down to long on for a single.

Time for spin now. Adil Rashid replaces Carse.

Back of a length and on leg, Matthew Short nudges it through square leg for one. 14 runs off the over then. Australia are 67/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

On a length and on off, Jake Fraser-McGurk pushes it towards covers for a single.

FOUR! Make that three in a row! Sam Curran overpitches this and on the sixth stump line, Jake Fraser-McGurk backs away a bit and drives it away, times it beautifully through covers for four more runs. Classy from JFM!

FOUR! TWO IN TWO! This is a fine shot from the youngster! Sam Curran brings mid on up and bangs in a short one, but this one sits up nicely for the batter, Jake Fraser-McGurk gets his front leg out of the way and swats it over that same fielder for another boundary.

FOUR! Up and over! Another slower one from Curran, too full and around off, Jake Fraser-McGurk this time waits for it, opens his stance up and lifts it over and wide of mid off for a boundary.

Absolute beauty to start with! Sam Curran comes over the wicket and starts with an off-cutter, full and on off, this one grips and spins away a bit, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks to work it away but misses it completely.

Excellent first over from Carse! Just a single and a pricy wicket of Head from this one. Full around off, Short drives it but again finds covers. Short has looked a bit rusty so far. 5 overs done, Australia are 53/1.

Pitched up by Carse outside off, Short drives it on the up but can't beat covers.

Back of a length and outside off, nips in sharply, Short looks to push it off the back foot but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Short delivery on the stumps, Fraser-McGurk goes for the pull but gets an inside edge on his body. The ball rolls to the side of the pitch and the batters steal a quick run.

Jake Fraser-McGurk comes in at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Brydon Carse makes an immediate impact with a huge wicket! He lands it a bit short of a good length, with a serious pace on, and keeps it around off, Travis Head is hurried into the shot but sees the fielder in the inner circle, tries to take on and attempts to hit it over the off side by clearing the inner ring, but the ball certainly comes rapidly and also gets heavy on him with some excessive bounce and ends up hitting it flat and aerially off the toe end of the bat toward Adil Rashid at short covers who takes a sharp catch at his chest height. Travis Head departs on a blistering 31 off just 14 balls. Australia are 52/1 after 4.2 overs.

Carse starts off on a good length, angling on the pads, Matthew Short misses to connect any bat on the pull shot, the ball brushes off his thigh pad towards short fine. A late call to cross over compels Head to put on the afterburners and a direct hit at the striker's end would have been curtains for Head.

Change. Brydon Carse now comes into the attack. He replaces Reece Topley.

FOUR! He makes batting looks too easy and effortless. Also, this brings up the 50 for the Aussies. Saqib with short third and point in the ring, bowls a bumper, around off, Travis Head makes room by shuffling away from the line of the ball and simply ramps it over the inner ring to get a boundary.

An off cutter, into the pitch, outside off, Matthew Short hits it over the covers for a single.

Saqib now surprises Short by delivering a well-directed pace off bumper, outside off, Matthew Short is months early into his pull shot and misses to connect.

EDGED AND FOUR, AGAIN! Saqib Mahmood hits the deck hard around off, Matthew Short goes for a slash but ends up getting a leading edge that flies over the short third region for a boundary.

Good-length delivery, on the stumps, Travis Head miscues his pull shot aerially towards the deep square leg region. The ball lands in the safe zone as the fielder mops it up on a couple of bounces in the deep. One taken.

FOUR! Pulled away through the gap! Saqib Mahmood tries to cramp Head for room and spears it on the hard length, around middle and leg, Travis Head negotiates well, swivels and pulls it through the gap between deep square leg and deep fine for a boundary.

Topley ends the over well. He slants it across off on a good length, Matthew Short tries to drive it on the up but hits it straight towards cover.

Nagging length, on the middle and leg, Matthew Short weighs on the back foot and punches it back to the bowler.

Short in length, angling towards the body, Travis Head pulls it along the carpet for a single towards deep square leg.

Just short and on off, Head looks to cut it away but ends up almost chopping it.

FOUR! Well, that's not an ideal length to bowl with third man and point inside the ring! Hard length from over the pegs, on off, Travis Head sways away from the line, arches a bit and slices it over the gap between backward point and short third for a boundary. Head moves into his 20s, already.

SIX! Gee, that's a lovely strike! Reece Topley offers a juicy half-volley on the middle and leg, Travis Head clears his front leg and with a straight bat, clobbers it downtown for another six.

Reece Topley to continue for his second over. He went for 15 runs in his first.

Short of a good length, over the stumps, Travis Head stands tall and pulls it towards deep square leg for a single. 11 from the second over and Australia are up and running.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Saqib Mahmood goes a little bit too full on the stumps, Travis Head gets his bat underneath it on the front foot and lofts it aerially over the bowler's head for a huge six down the ground.

Tight line, on middle and leg, on a length, Head hops and tucks it with soft hands straight to mid-wicket.

Length ball, on off, Travis Head goes for a push but misses.

EDGED...IN THE AIR AND FOUR! Short in length, nipping away from the leg stump line, Travis Head swings hard to pull it aerially but the ball gets heavier on him and slices it off the willow over the fine leg region, the ball dribbles on a couple of bounce and races away for a boundary.

A dot to begin with for Saqib! Hard length ball, on middle, Travis Head gets behind the line and punches it on the pitch.

Saqib Mahmood to share the new ball.

Fuller and on the stumps, Matthew Short gets ahead and pushes it straight to mid on. A strong opening over for Australia. 15 runs off the first.

Swing and a miss! Over the top of middle with a gentle inswing, Matthew Short stays rooted and goes for a pull shot but misses.

FOUR! Punished! A predictable half-volley on offer, outside off, Matthew Short clears his front foot and makes some room, slaps it down the ground for a boundary. Cracking start this for the Aussies.

EDGED AND FOUR! Topley goes fuller and pushes it across off, Matthew Short goes for an expansive drive but gets an outside edge that flies over short third for a boundary.

SIX! SHOT! First runs off the bat and Short gets underway in style! Topley lands on that in-between length, angling on the leg stump line, Matthew Short gets a good bounce and sets up nicely for him, he creates a strong base by weighing on the back foot and pulls it behind deep square leg for a six.

WIDE! Way, way down leg, wide called.

Topley starts off right on the money and appeals straightaway for LBW, but doesn't get much response from the umpire! With a slip in place, Topley gets a genuine inswing on the hard length, on middle and leg, Short gets cramped up for room to block it and wears it on the back thigh pad. The replay later shows that the pitching is outside the leg stump line.

Right then, the stage is set for the second T20I. The game is set to begin with sunny conditions in Cardiff. England players stride out to the middle and take the field. Followed by Travis Head and Matthew Short who walk out to open for Australia. It is going to be Reece Topley to attack with the new ball here.

Travis Head, the stand-in captain of Australia says that Marsh is a bit sick. Adds that it feels great to lead the side. Tells that they want to keep the intensity high and not change much. Mentions that they had a team talk about the last game and want to keep the positive intent. Says they have a lot of dangerous middle-order batters, unfortunately, they missed out in the last game, but hopes that they can fire in this one. Informs that Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Bartlett also misses out. Aaron Hardie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Cooper Connolly come into the side.

Phil Salt, the skipper of England looks at the surface and says that they want to have a look at the Aussies first with the bat. Mentions they need to build up partnerships and also reckons that they lost too many wickets in quick time in the last match. Expects it to be a good game. Informs that Jofra Archer misses out as they want to manage his workload and Brydon Carse is swapped in for him.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Travis Head (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk (In for Mitchell Marsh), Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie (In for Josh Hazlewood), Cooper Connolly (In for Xavier Bartlett), Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa.

England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt (C/WK), Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse (In place of Jofra Archer), Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Phil Salt. England have elected to BOWL first.

Just In - The latest news from the Australian camp is that Mitchell Marsh is unwell and will not take any part in this game. Travis Head will be the stand-in skipper for the Aussies. Also, overnight scans have reported that Xavier Bartlett has a side strain and is ruled out for the remainder of this series. Ben Dwarshuis has replaced Bartlett in the squad.

So, whether you're tuning in from a cosy pub in London or catching the action on a big screen in Melbourne, or any geography of the world, buckle up! This match could go either way, and none of them are pushovers by any means, and that's what makes this rivalry so exciting. Stay tuned as the toss and team sheets are up next very shortly.

Strategically, if England can manage to dismiss Australia's top order early, including the in-form Travis Head, who looks in no mood to spare anyone, they could expose the middle order and potentially change the complexion of the game. For Australia, it's about maintaining their momentum and managing those crucial moments that can decide the outcome. However, when England and Australia face off in cricket, nothing can be taken for granted. The rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses has consistently produced nail-biting contests, and this match promises to be no different.

Talking about the venue, teams batting second at Sophia Gardens seem to have a significant advantage here, winning 6 out of 9 T20I matches played. It's been a happy hunting ground for England, who have only lost once here. The average first inning score hovers around the bracket of 145-155 runs, indicating that batting first can be challenging - in fact, only once has a team managed to break the 200-run mark at this ground. Interestingly, Australia last played here back in 2015 and ended up on the losing side, so they'll be keen to make those amends this time around.

England, on the other hand, finds itself in a bit of a pickle. They're facing the possibility of a series loss unless they can turn things around in this match. To their credit, they had their moments in the first game, particularly when bowling. Liam Livingstone stepped up as a veteran presence, but with big names like Archer and Topley in the mix, the team would expect a more impactful performance from their star bowlers. The form of all-rounder Sam Curran will also be under scrutiny as England looks to balance their side effectively. Sure, the absence of the likes of Buttler and Roy is felt, but they do have enough firepower in their batting ranks that could prove effective on a given day.

Australia's UK tour has been nothing short of dominant so far. The first T20I saw Travis Head in spectacular form, unleashing a barrage of powerful shots that left the home crowd stunned. While the Head-Short opening duo has been explosive, providing a solid foundation, the middle order still needs to step up its game. Tim David's recent form blip might be a concern for them, but when this batting lineup clicks, it's an absolute spectacle. The Australian bowling unit, spearheaded by the likes of Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa, has been equally impressive. They've shown great control and variety, making life difficult for the English batters. Also, Xavier Bartlett's fitness would be important from their perspective as his participation remains a question mark, however, they have a good bench strength as well. Australia will be hoping to replicate this performance and seal the series.

Greetings, everyone join us! The classic England-Australia cricket rivalry is heating up again as the T20I series moves to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the second T20I. After an exhilarating series opener, the Aussies are riding high with a 1-0 lead, looking quite pleased with themselves. Meanwhile, the English lads are undoubtedly eager to even the score and prove they still have plenty of fight left in them.

... MATCH DAY ...

The stage is set for another thrilling encounter as Australia and England square off in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. After a seesaw opener, Australia came away with a convincing win, but England who had their moments will aim to bounce back and force a decider. Australia’s strong start, led by Travis Head and Matthew Short, was undone by England’s spinners, who triggered a collapse, as the visitors lost all 10 wickets for just 93 runs, finishing on 179. England's bowlers, particularly Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid, impressed, but they need more from their batting lineup, with Will Jacks and captain Phil Salt crucial at the top. Jordan Cox and Jacob Bethell, both just one game old in T20I cricket, will be eager to make their mark, but experienced heads like Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran will be crucial in the middle order to stabilize and launch the innings. England’s death bowling was solid, thanks to Saqib Mahmood and Jofra Archer, but their Powerplay bowling needs improvement after conceding 86 runs. On the flip side, Australia’s middle order couldn’t capitalize on the strong foundation set by their openers. Josh Inglis was unable to build on his start, while Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, and Tim David were all dismissed cheaply. A more cohesive batting effort will be crucial to avoid another collapse. Australia’s bowling unit was sharp, with collective contributions supported by excellent fielding. However, they do have a concern in the pace department after Xavier Bartlett walked off midway through his over due to a side issue. If Bartlett isn’t fit enough to feature, they have the option of bringing in Riley Meredith to bolster the attack. On a brighter note, Josh Hazlewood was impressive in his return, with Sean Abbott providing solid support. As he has so often done, Adam Zampa was the standout, delivering the most economical spell across both teams. With both sides looking to iron out their flaws, expect a closely fought contest as England fight to stay in the series and Australia push for a series win. Who are you backing to come out on top?