Hopes happy to stall England's momentum by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	JR Hopes
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 6th September 2009

 

Australian all-rounder James Hopes said the tourists have halted England's Ashes momentum after opening the ODIs with a win.

 

The win at The Oval sends Australia into Sunday's second match at Lord's 1-0 ahead in the seven-match campaign.

 

"For us it was very important," said Hopes. "It stops the spiral. If we'd started off with a loss it could have been 'here we go again'.

 

"But we've kick-started the one-day series again and now Sunday becomes very important. It's a short turnaround between games, so the first hour and a half will be very important."

 

Hopes scored an unbeaten 18 off 12 deliveries and then sent down an economical spell of 5-1-14-0 to escalate England's required run rate.

 

Having lost to world number one side South Africa both home and away earlier this year, Australia have learned one-day internationals can be snatched away by opponents late in the piece.

 

And though there was a late rally from England's lower order, the tourists held on this time to extend the winning sequence developed with a 3-2 win over Pakistan in between.

 

"We thought we were in control, but always at the back of our minds was what happened against South Africa a couple of times when we thought we were in a pretty good position and then they'd take the batting powerplay and come over us at the end," said Hopes.

 

"We are pleased to come out with a win, it doesn't matter by how much, four runs is enough, and we are full of confidence."