Brisbane: England’s top order fired in unison to give them a four wicket win in the second ODI against Australia here Friday. Aaron Finch’s second straight hundred for the hosts could not prevent them falling 2-0 behind in the series.
Chasing 271 for victory, England reached their target comfortably with 34 balls to spare and need one more victory to wrap up the five-match series.
Finch (106, 114b, 9×4, 1×6) continued his fine form with a brilliant century to help Australia post 270 for nine after the hosts opted to bat.
Yet the target was not steep enough for the visitors, who looked comfortable despite losing last-match centurion Jason Roy cheaply to fast bowler Mitchell Starc (4/59) in the first over.
Roy’s opening partner Jonny Bairstow (60, 56b, 9×4) hit a splendid half century and added 117 for the second wicket with Alex Hales (57, 60b, 7×4, 1×6). The touring side lost both Bairstow and Hales in quick succession to debutant paceman Jhye Richardson (2/57) and then Morgan (21) to Starc in a minor wobble.
Joe Root (46, 58b, 1×4) and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (42, 32b, 5×4) steadied the innings with a stand of 68 before the latter fell to Starc. Starc also dismissed Moeen Ali (1) in the same over. However Root with Chris Woakes (39 no, 27b, 5×4, 1×6) for company shut the hosts out.
Earlier, Finch was dismissed at a crucial juncture as Australia looked to up their scoring rate after being pegged back by England spinners Adil Rashid (2/71) and Joe Rooot (2/31).
Brief scores: Australia 270/9 (Aaron Finch 106; Joe Root 2/31) lost to England 274/6 (Jonny Bairstow 60; Mitchell Starc 4/59) by four wickets.
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