AP, Hobart :
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 cricket international 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 8 in 50 overs, thanks to Ian Bell’s 141.
He then helped Australia explore their depth ahead of next month’s World Cup by marshaling 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 7 with one ball to spare.
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 cricket international 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 8 in 50 overs, thanks to Ian Bell’s 141.
He then helped Australia explore their depth ahead of next month’s World Cup by marshaling 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 7 with one ball to spare.
