England eases past Australia

LONDON – Ravi Bopara starred with both bat and ball as England coasted to a six-wicket win over Australia with 26 balls to spare in the second One-Day International (ODI) at The Oval here Sunday.

England saw all-rounder Bopara top-score with 82 in a total of 252 for four after taking one for 16 with five overs of his medium-pace as Australia was restricted to 251 for seven.

Man-of-the-Match Bopara, run out by Brett Lee with England just two runs shy of victory, faced 85 balls with eight fours.

“I enjoyed myself out there. I told myself just to watch the ball, and hit it, and I play my best when I do that,” said Bopara. “I think I’m batting the best I ever have.

“A few changes that I’ve made over these last six months have really worked for me.”

England’s eighth successive ODI win gave it a 2-0 lead in this five-match series after Friday’s 15-run victory at Lord’s.

Australia, which won the toss, saw opener Watson top-score with 66 and George Bailey make a career-best 65.

However, the tourists’ innings was often becalmed, with a mere 24 runs coming in a 10-over spell from overs 21 to 30 inclusive. — AFP