England thrashed Australia by eight wickets to win the fourth one-day international here on Saturday and so take a series-winning 3-0 lead in this five-match campaign. England, set 201 for victory, finished on 201 for two with Jonathan Trott 64 not out after sharing a second-wicket stand of 66 with Warwickshire colleague Ian Bell (69). Ravi Bopara was 33 not out after adding an unbroken 65 with Trott.
Earlier Australia, made 200 for nine after losing the toss. Fast bowler Steven Finn led England’s attack with four for 37. The tourists were indebted to David Hussey’s 70 for helping them recover from 96 for six. England had to win this series 5-0 to replace Australia at the top of the one-day international rankings this campaign but rain put paid to their hopes when Wednesday’s third match at Edgbaston was washed out without a ball bowled. This series concludes at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground on Tuesday.
Earlier, David Hussey’s 70 guided Australia to 200 for nine. Australia were in dire straits at 96 for five when Hussey took guard but his 73-ball innings, featuring nine fours, kept the tourists in the match. Together with Brett Lee, he put on 70 for the seventh wicket. England, 2-0 up in this five-match series, would have been in an even stronger position had they not dropped four catches, with Hussey reprieved on 15 and 29. Fast bowler Steven Finn, twice on a hat-trick, took four for 37 — just shy of his career-best four for 34 which he achieved twice against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.
England, after winning the toss in overcast conditions, saw Finn claim two wickets in successive balls as Australia slumped to six for two in the sixth over. First a full and straight delivery rapped David Warner on the pads, with the normally dynamic left-hander having taken 19 balls for two runs. English umpire Nigel Llong initially ruled not out, but England requested a review which showed the ball had pitched in line. Next ball Peter Forrest was plumb lbw for a golden duck after being struck flush on the back pad. Australia captain Michael Clarke survived the hat-trick after missing an excellent Finn delivery that cut back sharply between bat and pad.
Triumphant England take unassailable lead against OZs
