Mohammadi News Agency News – Features – Photo
MNA Sports Desk: Jos Buttler’s stunning century and a composed all-round effort with the ball helped England clinch the ODI series with two matches to play.
England had been struggling on 6 for 189 when Buttler and Woakes came together but they put on an unbroken 113-run stand to take the total beyond 300.
Buttler reached his fifth one-day hundred from the last ball of the innings as England made far more than had looked likely. He then took a contentious catch to dismiss Steven Smith at a key point in the chase as England held on to go 3-0 up.
Australia have been fined for a slow over-rate after being ruled two overs behind at the SCG. It leaves captain Steven Smith one repeat offence away from a suspension.
Smith has been fined 40% of his match fee, while his players have received 20% fines.
Australia took 27 minutes more than allocated to bowl their 50 overs as England made 302 for 6, but were not judged to be as far behind as may have been feared after the umpires took time allowances into account.
Set 303 for victory, Australia were stifled by an England bowling attack that rallied after Liam Plunkett was struck down with an injury.
England had won the first two matches chasing down Australia’s totals and perhaps that was on Smith’s mind when he elected to bowl after winning the toss.
Third One Day International, Sydney
Australia – 286 – 6 (50.0 overs)
England – 302 – 6 (50.0 overs)
