Publications
Partners
Cardiff - Stuart Broad took four wickets as England beat Australia to go 2-0 up in their five match one-day series against the world champions at Sophia Gardens on Thursday.
England, chasing 240, were in trouble at 109 for three.
But Eoin Morgan, who'd rescued England from the depths of 97 for four with an unbeaten century, in their series-opening win at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday, made an accomplished 52.
He put on 83 for the fourth wicket with Paul Collingwood before his World Twenty20-winning captain played on to left-arm quick Doug Bollinger for 48.
There was still work to be done though when left-hander Morgan was caught behind off Bollinger. The paceman had taken two wickets for two runs in 13 balls and England were 211 for six.
However, Tim Bresnan (12 not out) and Graeme Swann (15 not out), who ended the match with a six off paceman Clint McKay, saw England to a second straight four-wicket win with 24 balls to spare.
"Chasing 239, you'd take that every time against Australia," said victorious England captain Andrew Strauss.
"We had a bit of a wobble at the end but it's another good performance," added the left-handed opener who made a run-a-ball fifty.
Broad, playing in this series after being rested from England's 2-0 home Test series win over Bangladesh, said: "It's great to be back playing and be involved in this changing room.
"Everyone is seeking constant improvement. I feel in pretty good shape at after three-and-a half-weeks' work in the gym."
Ultimately, an Australia attack lacking injured quicks Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus was unable to defend a below-par total of 239 for seven.
But that owed much to the accuracy of England's bowlers with paceman Broad taking four wickets for 44 runs from his 10 overs, including his 100th at this level.
All-rounder Luke Wright weighed in with one for 38 off nine while left-arm spinner Michael Yardy's eight overs cost just 31 runs as Australia's run-rate slowed in the middle overs.
All-rounder Luke Wright weighed in with one for 38 off nine while left-arm spinner Michael Yardy's eight overs cost just 31 runs as Australia's run-rate slowed in the middle overs.
"It was pretty much a mirror image of the last game," said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
"We just didn't get enough runs after winning the toss. We need guys like me and the top order to get more runs," the star batsman added.
"But you've got to give England some credit."
Broad did most damage in a spell of three wickets for 12 runs in 22 balls as Australia, who were 51 without loss, collapsed to 77 for three after winning the toss.
Australia were indebted to Cameron White's unbeaten 86 off 98 balls including two sixes and seven fours and his sixth-wicket partnership of 84 with Steven Smith, who made 41 in only his second ODI.
England saw captain Andrew Strauss -- not renowned as a dynamic one-day batsman -- drive a straight six off the struggling McKay, who finished with figures of none for 60 off 9.2 overs.
Kevin Pietersen, in after fellow South Africa-born batsman Craig Kieswetter was caught behind for eight, looked determined to play a major innings.
However, spin slowed England's progress with Smith, one of two Australia changes along with McKay after teenage quick Josh Hazlewood and Ryan Harris (groin) were omitted, taking the key wicket of Pietersen.
Trying to clip the leg-spinner's sixth ball through midwicket, Pietersen was caught one-handed for 33 -- the 13th straight ODI innings where he'd failed to make fifty -- by leaping Australia captain Ricky Ponting at mid-wicket.
Strauss completed a run-a-ball fifty but, soon afterwards, the left-hander chipped a return catch to off-spinner Nathan Hauritz.
Australia scored 34 off their first five overs but could only manage 17 off the next five as first change Broad brought England into the game.
Broad took his 100th ODI wicket when Tim Paine's glance was held by opposing wicketkeeper Kieswetter.
He then captured the prize wicket of Ponting, out for 13 when caught behind after edging a superb ball that cut away.
England then enjoyed a tactical triumph, and again Broad was involved.
Three balls after Swann was stationed in the unusual one-day position of short leg, Michael Clarke -- who managed just one -- gloved a catch to the close-in fielder off a rising delivery.
The series continues at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Teams:
