Published: Feb 02, 2011, 05:55 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 02, 2011, 05:55 PM (IST)
Sydney, February 2, 2011
Jonathan Trott slammed a career-best 137 as England posted a record 333-6 after winning the toss and electing to bat against Australia in the sixth one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. The Australians already have an unbeatable 4-1 lead in the seven-match series, but Jonathan Trott’s second century of the series helped England post their highest-ever score in an ODI against Australia.
Trott continued his superb series by making 137, taking his haul for the series to 361 runs at 72.20, to emerge as the leading scorer for either side despite his team’s indifferent form. He fell to the penultimate ball of the innings and was offered good support by captain Andrew Strauss, who made 63 from just 69 balls, and Ian Bell, with 45 from 32 deliveries.
Trott, given out lbw on 82 to Shaun Tait but given a reprieve by a successful review, reached triple figures for the fourth time in ODIs from exactly 100 balls, having hit seven boundaries. However, he added to England’s mounting injury list when he called for a runner after smashing the next ball to the boundary, seemingly troubled by either a hamstring problem or severe cramp.
England already had World Cup squad members Graeme Swann (back), Tim Bresnan (calf), Chris Tremlett (side), Stuart Board (stomach) and Ajmal Shahzad (hamstring) on the injured list, with the prestigious tournament just weeks away.
Australia used eight bowlers during the innings, but all were expensive. Both sides made forced changes for the match, with England recalling spinner Michael Yardy to replace Shahzad. Australia promoted Callum Ferguson for the injured Shaun Marsh, sidelined by a hamstring problem, while tearaway quick Shaun Tait returned at the expense of Doug Bollinger.
Brief Score: England 333 for 6 in 50 overs (Jonathan Trott 137, Andrew Strauss 63, Ian Bell 45, Shaun Tait 2 for 59) vs Australia.
© AFP
