England too strong for Australia

England outplayed Australia at Edgbaston
8 June 2013

England opened their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant 48-run victory over Australia on a day that saw James Anderson become his country's top one-day wicket-taker.

The margin of victory at Edgbaston not only gives the hosts an ideal start to their home event but also represents first blood ahead of this summer's Ashes series.

Ian Bell top-scored with 91 in England's 269 for six but the individual honours are surely reserved for Anderson, who now sits three clear of Darren Gough on 237 ODI wickets. His return of three for 30 was emblematic of a lean, disciplined bowling performance from England that saw a timid Australia struggle to 221 for nine.

At the innings break the result seemed more precarious, with concerns that England's total might end up short in seemingly benign conditions. But, against a side who were dismissed for just 65 last time out, they proved unfounded, meaning Jonathan Trott (43) and Ravi Bopara (46 not out) must take their share of the credit for a winning score.

For coach Ashley Giles, meanwhile, the surprise decision to leave out Steven Finn alongside the injured Graeme Swann was justified.

Anderson and Stuart Broad ensured Finn's pace was not missed as they began the second innings with a probing new-ball burst. The pressure told when David Warner edged Broad behind in the sixth over and Australia crawled to 35 for one at the 10-over mark - 19 shy of England's mark.

Runs were no easier to come by when Alastair Cook introduced James Tredwell and Tim Bresnan, the latter grabbing England's second wicket when Shane Watson was held at gully off bat and pad.

Phil Hughes and George Bailey attempted to rebuild but threatened to get bogged down as 11 overs passed without a boundary. At halfway, the pair had nursed the score to 93 for two but four balls later Hughes was gone for 30 as Joe Root won an lbw on the back foot.

Adam Voges was bowled, undone by late movement from Bresnan, and then Anderson struck twice in an over. Mitch Marsh was the Lancastrian's landmark victim, thrashing a firm catch to Eoin Morgan at point before Matthew Wade was caught behind.

Bailey's exit, caught off the deserving Tredwell for 55, ended the game as a contest but Anderson still had time to add the scalp of Mitchell Starc. James Faulkner's unbeaten 54 made sure Australia went the distance, but they will take little heart from that.

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