Watch! Alex Hales smacks Marcus Stoinis for a huge six during the 1st T20I at Perth

Australia are gearing up for the T20 battles ahead with a few short series at home. The current T20 World champions first beat two time winners West Indies in a short 2 match series with 2-0 margin. Australia are now facing England for a short 3 match T2) series which began on Sunday at Perth. The English stay back to play 3 ODI matches post the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Alex Hales has the Perth crowd on its feet –

The first match at Perth saw Australia win the toss and choose to bowl. England saw Jos Buttler make a return after injury lay off which saw him miss the Pakistan T20 series. Alex Hales continued his good run off form with yet another half century post his return to the side after 3 years. He smashed Marcus Stoinis over his head for a huge six which sailed over the Perth stadium.

The two English openers went after the Australian bowlers right from the word go. Buttler scored 68 off just 32 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. Hales on the other hand scored 84 runs from 51 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. The pair were scoring at over 12 runs per over and added 132 for the 1st wicket as the Australian bowlers were looking for answers.

Openers departure has Australia restrict England to 208 –

Australian bowlers broken the 132 run stand between Hales and Buttler when Nathan Ellis had the English skipper caught by Kane Richardson. Walking in at 3 Ben Stokes scored run-a- ball 9 before falling to Stoinis caught by Warner.  It was the turn of Kane Richardson to play a part in the next two dismissals.

First, Richardson sent back Hales caught by Tim David. England lost 1 more wicket when Daniel Sams had Harry Brook caught by Richardson for 12. England finished their innings at 208 for 6 from the 20 overs.  Nathan Ellis with 3/20 was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Richardson, Sams and Stoinis picked a wicket each.