Player: | JR Hopes |
Event: | Australia in British Isles 2009 |
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."LATEST SCORES
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