HOBART, Australia (AP) – Stand-in captain Steve Smith made an unbeaten 102 to guide Australia to a tense three-wicket win over England in the tri-series One-Day International cricket on Friday, clinching their place in the final.
Smith, who led Australia in an ODI for the first time in the absence of George Bailey – suspended for one match for an over-rate infraction – won the toss, bowled, and saw England make 303 for eight in 50 overs, thanks to Ian Bell’s 141.
He then helped Australia explore their depth ahead of next month’s World Cup by marshalling a depleted batting order in a difficult run chase. Australia were without Bailey and frontline batsmen David Warner and Shane Watson – both with hamstring injuries – but paced their reply well, and reached 304 for seven with one ball to spare.
Earlier, England batted soundly after being sent in to bat. Bell’s 141 and Joe Root’s 69 set it up for a challenging total.
Bell followed his match-winning 88 not out against India on Tuesday with his fourth century in 149 one-dayers, putting on 113 for the first wicket with Moeen Ali (46), and 121 with Root for the third wicket before he was out in the 42nd over.
England didn’t fully capitalise on the foundation set by Bell, losing their last five wickets for 49 runs, including three wickets for two runs, with two run-outs in the 50th over.
Summarised scores:
Australia 304-7 in 49.5 overs (Steve Smith 102 not out, Shaun Marsh 45, Brad Haddin 42; Moeen Ali 2-50, Chris Woakes 2-58, Steve Finn 2-65). England 303-8 in 50 overs (Ian Bell 141, Joe Root 69, Moeen Ali 46; Gurinder Sandhu 2-49). Australia won by three wickets.
