Banton, Atkinson star as England thump Australia in 2nd ODI to force decider

England bounced back from their Perth humiliation with a commanding 135-run win over Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide. Tom Banton's century and Gus Atkinson's four-wicket haul helped the visitors level the series and force a decider.Banton's hundred helped England secure the win (Courtesy: AP)England bounced back in emphatic fashion after their disastrous showing in Perth, producing an all-round performance to beat Australia by 135 runs in the second ODI in Adelaide. A commanding batting display, followed by a ruthless spell from their bowlers, helped the visitors level the series and set up a winner-takes-all decider.The turnaround was particularly impressive given England had managed just 131 in the opening match. This time, they put the Australian attack under pressure from the outset and finished with a formidable 355 for 6. Tom Banton led the charge with a brilliant 121 off 99 deliveries, while Joe Root's 62 provided the foundation for the innings. Jordan Cox and Will Jacks then took over in the closing stages, adding valuable half-centuries to push England well beyond the 350-run mark.Australia's pursuit never really got going. Gus Atkinson ripped through the top order, leaving the hosts struggling at 29 for 4 inside the first seven overs. His early strikes removed Travis Head, Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis, putting England firmly in control of the contest. The Australian batters were also let down by their inability to counter England's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw offered some resistance after the early collapse, combining for a 98-run stand for the fifth wicket. However, with the required rate climbing and four wickets already down, Australia had an enormous task ahead of them. Their partnership provided some temporary relief but never seriously threatened to turn the game around. Liam Dawson eventually ended Renshaw's resistance, trapping him in front for 63. The left-arm spinner then accounted for Green, with Cox completing a smart stumping to leave Australia further adrift. Dawson picked up another wicket as England continued to tighten their grip, while Atkinson returned to remove Adam Zampa and complete an outstanding four-wicket haul.The hosts' last pair, Riley Meredith and Spencer Johnson, managed to add 28 runs before Jofra Archer brought the contest to an end with a pinpoint yorker that crashed into Johnson's stumps. Atkinson finished with impressive figures of 4 for 28, while Dawson claimed two wickets as Australia were bowled out well short of the target. Earlier, England's batting resurgence had revolved around Banton, who made a decisive contribution after Australia elected to bowl. Ben Duckett's early dismissal for 9 did little to disrupt the visitors, with Banton and Root taking charge of the innings through a 137-run partnership for the second wicket.Root played the supporting role to perfection, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring England did not lose their way after the initial setback. Banton, meanwhile, took the attack to the Australian bowlers and converted his start into a superb century, his second in ODI cricket.England did suffer a brief setback when Root and Harry Brook fell in quick succession. Brook's struggles continued after his disappointing outing in Perth, as he managed only 5 before Riley Meredith bowled him to leave England at 175 for 3.Banton refused to let the momentum slip, continuing to find gaps and punish anything loose, particularly on the leg side. His innings finally ended on 121 when Cameron Green held a catch off Xavier Bartlett, with England moving to 212 for 4.That dismissal, however, did little to slow the visitors. Cox launched a counter-attack with a fluent 67 from 49 balls, combining with Jacks for a crucial 102-run partnership. Jacks provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries, while Sam Curran and Atkinson chipped in with useful late contributions to take England past 350.Bartlett stood out among Australia's bowlers with figures of 3 for 72, but his efforts were not enough to prevent England from posting a daunting total. The visitors then carried that momentum into the second innings, with Atkinson's early burst leaving Australia chasing the game almost from the beginning.After being thoroughly outplayed in Perth, England have responded in the strongest possible manner. With the series now level, the two sides will head into the final ODI with everything to play for.- Ends