Steve Orme at the SCG, Sportal
A stunning half century from David Hussey has guided Australia to a hard-fought four-wicket victory over England in the third one-day international at the SCG.
Hussey, who arrived at the crease with his side precariously placed at 4-92 needing 215 for victory, hit an unbeaten 68 off 89 deliveries to give the home side a commanding 3-0 lead in the seven-match series.
The hard-hitting Victorian slammed six boundaries and a six throughout his mature knock as Australia cruised to 6-215 in the 46th over to seal the win.
Having bowled England out for 214 in the 48th over after man of the match Brett Lee took 3-27 in good batting conditions, the home side made a shaky start losing Shane Watson (9), Shaun Marsh (6) and Michael Clarke (9) cheaply.
Part-time seamer Paul Collingwood (2-25) then removed Cameron White (7) and Brad Haddin (54) in quick succession to leave Australia in trouble at 5-100 before Hussey and Steve Smith (26 off 37) steadied with a 63-run stand.
Chris Tremlett (2-50) answered his captain’s call when he drew a rash stroke from Smith (26 off 37), but Hussey and fellow Victorian John Hastings (18 off 31) finished the job with an unbeaten 52-run match-winning partnership.
Hastings, who took 1-51 after coming into the side for the injured Shaun Tait, hit the winning runs.
Earlier, an unbeaten 84 off 119 deliveries from Jonathan Trott saved the tourists from total embarrassment.
Trott’s patient knock consisted of just three boundaries after arriving at the crease in the opening over of the innings, while Luke Wright (32 off 46) and Eoin Morgan (30 off 41) were the only other batsman to provide any resistance.
Lee bowled with a lethal blend of pace and accuracy to lead the attack but he was ably supported by left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (2-37), who made the most of his opportunity after replacing the injured Nathan Hauritz (shoulder).
The tourists, who entered the clash without Kevin Pietersen (groin) and Tim Bresnan (calf), were instantly on the back foot when Lee trapped the dangerous Matt Prior LBW for a duck with the fifth ball of the innings.
Strauss (23) was the second man to depart when he was run out by the length of the pitch after a calamitous mix up with Trott.
The visitors suffered another body blow when Shane Watson (1-17) removed the in-form Ian Bell for 10 with a spectacular caught and bowled.
Morgan enjoyed a 57-run stand with Trott before he slapped an innocuous delivery from David Hussey (1-24) to Clarke to spark a mini collapse as Collingwood (1) and Yardy (7) were removed by Doherty to leave the visitors reeling at 6-130.
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