Australia Levels Lawn Bowls Test Series Against England with 3-0 Whitewash

Strategic Insights -

After being thrashed 17-8 by England in the First Test, Australia bounced back with a series of impressive victories in the Second Test, leveling the series with a 3-0 whitewash. The Australian team, led by 23-year-old Brett Duprez, played a more aggressive game in the triples, with Rex Johnston's brilliant conversion shots making all the difference. Duprez went on to win the dead singles rubber against England's John Leeman, cementing Australia's dominance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australia won the Second Test 3-0, levelling the series against England.
  • Brett Duprez led the Australian team to victory, winning the dead singles rubber against England's John Leeman.
  • Rex Johnston's brilliant conversion shots were crucial in the Australian team's wins in the triples and pairs.
  • Johnston carried his fine form from the Commonwealth Games into the pairs, producing match-winning shots when needed.
  • English skipper Mal Hughes was not surprised by Australia's turnaround in fortunes, having predicted that the Australians would come out fighting.

Statistics:

  • Australia won the Second Test by 3-0.
  • Brett Duprez won the dead singles rubber against England's John Leeman with a score of 4-7, 7-3, 7-2, 7-2.
  • Rex Johnston's conversion shots made all the difference in the Australian team's wins in the triples and pairs.
  • Australia built a 10-3 lead after seven ends in the triples, but England fought back to secure a three-shot advantage.
  • Johnston played precise weighted deliveries on the 16th and 17th ends, and a stunning drive on the last end to give Australia victory in the triples.

Sources:

  • Australian lawn bowls team performance in Second Test, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  • Hunter, L. (1999, January 3). England edge triple chance. The Age.