Hobart: England lost the opening Twenty20 international in Hobart on Wednesday after failing to chase down Australia’s massive 214-run target.
The Australians were always in the box seat, with the tourists on 176 for nine with an over left.
But some prodigious late hitting by Ravi Bopara got England to within 13 runs of the target at the finish.
Bopara smashed seven sixes and two fours in his unbeaten 65 off 27 balls but paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile bowled the Australians to victory with four for 30 off his four overs.
Joe Root scored 32 off 24 balls and opener Alex Hales hit 22 off 12 balls for the beaten tourists, who have only won one limited-over international on their hapless tour of Australia.
Australia won the Ashes Test series 5-0 and the ODI series 4-1 before the three-game T20 series began.
“Ravi’s performance was a positive, but if you lose three wickets in the first six overs you rarely win,” said England skipper Stuart Broad.
“We’ll reflect and consider changes, but I err on the side of consistency and back these players to come back strong in Melbourne.”
Cameron White was named Man-of-the-Match for his 75 off 43 balls as Australia set England 214 to win.
England’s previous highest T20 run chase was 181 against India in 2012 so their 200 for nine was their highest score in the format.
White, recalled for the first time since 2012, smashed six boundaries and four sixes to set the platform for the home side’s 213 for four after they won the toss.
White put on 106 with opening partner Aaron Finch (52 from 31) as the Australians came out with all guns blazing.
“It’s a nice feeling to be back and it’s something I’ve worked hard for, to get the opportunity playing for Australia since I last played,” White said. (AFP)
Brief scores:
Aus: 213/4, 20 overs (C White 75, A Finch 52; S Broad 1-25)
Eng: 200/9, 20 overs (R Bopara 65*; N Coulter-Nile 4-30)
