2nd One Day International, Sydney Cricket Ground
Australia 280-8 (50 overs): Smith 94 (114), Lebuschagne 58 (55), Marsh 50 (59), Rashid 3-57
England 208 all out (38.5 overs): Billings 71 (80), Vince 60 (72), Zampa 4-45, Starc 4-47
Australia won by 72 runs. Australia won the series
Steve Smith’s world-class 94 helped Australia beat England by 72 runs in the second one-day international to clinch the series with a game to spare.
The former captain shared stands of 101 and 90 with Marnus Leboschgen and Mitchell Marsh, who each scored half-centuries, as the hosts posted 280-8 in Sydney.
It looked too far for England when Starc left Jason Roy and David Mullan 0-2 in the first over of their chase.
It got worse for the tourists, who opted to rest skipper Jos Buttler, when Josh Hazlewood – captaining Australia for the first time, with Pat Cummins also rested – bowled Phil Salt.
A 122-run partnership between James Vince and Sam Billings brought England back into contention before four wickets in three overs, including three wickets for just one run, put the home side firmly in control.
Starc finished with figures of 4-47 and Adam Zampa took 4-45 as England were eventually bowled out for 208 in 38.4 overs and Australia 2-2 in the third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. took an unbeaten lead of 0.
