England vs Australia 2nd ODI: Bell, Bopara Shine in England Victory

England once proved to be dominating over the Australians in the ODI Series as they cruised to a comfortable 6 wicket win in the 2nd ODI here at the Oval. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara were the ones who led England's charge, sharing a 90 run stand between themselves for the 3rd wicket. England now lead the 5 match ODI Series 2-0 and Australia have a very tough job in hand from now onwards.

Earlier, Australia were batting first on the flat Oval pitch. Australia did not get off to the sort of start as they would have wanted, losing Warner early for 10. Forrest and Clarke too did not last long and were out for 12 & 10 respectively. But Shane Watson was playing well at the other end, reaching his 28th ODI half century in 50 balls. He was out done by Swann for 66 in the 32nd over. Austalia were looking in deep trouble, but Bailey and David Hussey performed the rescue act and added 78 vital runs for the 5th wicket. Bailey scored a gritty 65 in 86 balls. Late charge by Brett Lee ensured that Australia crossed the 250 mark and finally ended on 251/7.

England had a top heavy batting order and Cook and Bell had to play the long innings. But it was not to be as Cook was trapped in front of the stumps for 18 by McKay. Trott chopped one onto the stumps off Watson for 17. England were 81/2 and needed some stability. Bell and Bopara played intelligently in the middle overs and also kept up the pace. Bell reached his 50 in 73 deliveries and played the anchor role. The 90 run stand between the two was finally broken by Clarke as he rattled the stumps of Bell for 75. Bopara carried on at the other end, scoring 82. Morgan too played some handsome shots in his knock of 43* in just 40 balls. England won the game easily with 4.2 overs to spare.

          MATCH SUMMARY

AUSTRALIA	251/7 (50)
Watson-66 (80)	Bresnan-2/50
Bailey-65 (86)	Bopara-1/16
D. Hussey-29 (37)	Swann-1/27
Lee-20 * (11)	Finn-1/36

ENGLAND	252/4 (45.4)
Bopara-82 (85)	Clarke-1/13
Bell-75 (113)	Watson-1/34
Morgan-43* (40)	McKay-1/42
Cook-18 (18)