England stumble to third ODI loss

England’s batting line up failed again as Australia eased to a four wicket victory in Sydney and moved into a commanding 3-0 series lead. David Hussey led the way with an unbeaten 68 as the home side reached their target with four overs to spare.Under pressure Matt Prior failed once more after being given out LBW having faced just five balls as England got off to the worst possible start. The mood darkened for England as captain Andrew Strauss was run out for 23 in disastrous fashion by Jonathan Trott. The South African-born Trott called for a single but having changed his mind half way down, both batsmen ran for the same end meaning Strauss was heading back to the pavilion.

Trott looked to make amends for his role in the run out and hit an 83 not out as England posted their sub-par total. Eoin Morgan (30) and Luke Wright (32) offered their support but Brett Lee’s 3 wickets took the game away from England. At the half way stage, big free bet would have seen England’s total as well short of a competitive score.

Australian opener Brad Haddin ensured their response moved along at pace and hit 54 off 59 balls before the wicketkeeper batsman was caught off the bowling of Paul Collingwood. Australia found themselves in trouble after losing Haddin and Captain Cameron White, who was also caught out by a Collingwood delivery, in quick succession. David Hussey soon steadied the ship and, with the help of Steve Smith who hit 26, moved Australia away from 100-5 towards their target.

England Captain Andrew Strauss bemoaned his team’s lack of application and will now look to make amends in the fourth ODI in Adelaide on Wednesday. Strauss and team coach Andy Flower will point to the absence of Tim Bresnan, Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann through injury as reason for their poor performance, but with the World Cup looming, bigfreebet will hope England improve their form ahead of the competition.