Australia’s stand-in ODI skipper Michael Clarke rediscovered his best form at the most opportune time, his masterful 82 off 70 ball helping Australia to an unlikely victory in the sixth ODI against England in Sydney.
Earlier, Jonathan Trott scored his second century for the series as England romped to 6-333 from their 50 overs.
In reply, Australia got away to a flying start thanks to Shane Watson, who departed for 51 off 34 balls with Australia well-placed on 2-87 in the 13th over. Callum Ferguson and Mitchell Johnson, who was elevated to number four in the order, both made valuable contributions, but it was the innings of Clarke that turned the match in Australia’s favour.
Still, he was unable to see the innings through to the end – with the finish-line in sight, Australia lost a flurry of late wickets, leaving John Hastings and Brett Lee to knock off the winning runs with four balls remaining.
