Australia 249 (48.3 ov, M Clarke 54, C Woakes 6/45) def England 198 (45.3 ov,K Pietersen 40, S Watson 3/25) by 51 runs: ODI#5/7 at Gabba, Brisbane. Australia lead series 4-1.
Back to the couch to watch this one, which fortunately wasn't played here, where the temperature reached 42.5 deg C.
The first nine Australian batters got a start (of sorts), ie reached double figures, but only acting captain Michael Clarke went on from there. His 54/74b (5x4) was a return to form (of sorts) which was good to see, not only because those with long memories (of sorts) can recall him playing many fine innings in both Tests and ODIs. At least those who'd booed him onto the ground shut up when he walked off.
A word about Chris Woakes:21 years old, and not really quick, but he plugged away doing a bit here and there and taking 6 (including 4 of the top 6) for 45 from his 10 overs.
Australia's bowlers,especially Brett Lee, John Hastings (good changes of pace to dismiss topscorers Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell), Steve Smith and (among the lower order) Shane Watson, reduced England to a paltry 9/145 before a last wicket stand between Jimmy Anderson and Steven Finn briefly raised in some minds (not mine) the prospect of an upset. It didn't happen though the 53 runs they added distorted the margin of victory. Australia won the match, and therefore the series, convincingly.
Welcome as this has been it is still small compensation for the Ashes Test result!
Scorecard
Fox Sports report with link to video highlights.
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