England beat Australia to take ODI series

CHESTER-LE-STREET England thrashed Australia by eight wickets to win the fourth one-day international here on Saturday and so take a series-winning 3-0 lead in this five-match campaign.

England, set 201 for victory, finished on 201 for two with Jonathan Trott 64 not out after sharing a second-wicket stand of 66 with Warwickshire colleague Ian Bell (69).

Ravi Bopara was 33 not out after adding an unbroken 65 with Trott.

Earlier Australia, made 200 for nine after losing the toss.

Fast bowler Steven Finn led England's attack with four for 37.

The tourists were indebted to David Hussey's 70 for helping them recover from 96 for six.

England had to win this series 5-0 to replace Australia at the top of the one-day international rankings this campaign but rain put paid to their hopes when Wednesday's third match at Edgbaston was washed out without a ball bowled.

This series concludes at Manchester's Old Trafford ground on Tuesday.

Brief scores:

Australia 200-9, 50 overs (D Hussey 70; S Finn 4-37)
England 201-2, 47.5 overs (I Bell 69, J Trott 64 no)

Result: England won by eight wickets
Series: England lead five-match series 3-0
(AFP)