Adelaide - Jonathan Trott scored 102 to give England a competitive total of 299 for eight in 50 overs in the fourth one-day international against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday as they seek to stay alive in their one-day series.
Trott, who scored 84 not out in the third match in Sydney on Sunday, and Matt Prior (67) had combined for an impressive 113-run partnership in 116 balls before the introduction of spinners Xavier Doherty and Steve Smith slowed the run rate.
Smith also picked up three quick wickets with Prior caught at point by Doherty, before an impetuous Kevin Pietersen (12) holed out in the deep while Ian Bell lasted two balls when he nicked a Smith delivery to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Trott and Eoin Morgan (24) kept the scoreboard ticking over with Trott bringing up his second one-day international century before he chopped a short delivery on from part-time offspinner David Hussey to end their 66-run partnership.
Hussey then captured Morgan and while it appeared England lost their momentum, intelligent batting during the powerplay by Paul Collingwood (27) and Michael Yardy (39 not out) ensured they threatened to pass 300.
Hussey finished with 4-21 off four overs.
Australia hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Trott, who scored 84 not out in the third match in Sydney on Sunday, and Matt Prior (67) had combined for an impressive 113-run partnership in 116 balls before the introduction of spinners Xavier Doherty and Steve Smith slowed the run rate.
Smith also picked up three quick wickets with Prior caught at point by Doherty, before an impetuous Kevin Pietersen (12) holed out in the deep while Ian Bell lasted two balls when he nicked a Smith delivery to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Trott and Eoin Morgan (24) kept the scoreboard ticking over with Trott bringing up his second one-day international century before he chopped a short delivery on from part-time offspinner David Hussey to end their 66-run partnership.
Hussey then captured Morgan and while it appeared England lost their momentum, intelligent batting during the powerplay by Paul Collingwood (27) and Michael Yardy (39 not out) ensured they threatened to pass 300.
Hussey finished with 4-21 off four overs.
Australia hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Teams: