White century condemns England to another defeat

Published on Thursday 10 September 2009 00:32

ENGLAND'S losing streak in one-day cricket continued as a Cameron White hundred propelled Australia into a 3-0 NatWest Series lead.

White tackled the sluggish surface at the Rose Bowl expertly to hit 105 in a six-wicket floodlit victory, secured with nine balls to spare.

Stand-in skipper Michael Clarke, who will hand over the reins with a flawless record during Ponting's rest period, also struck a half-century as Australia extended their dominance over England to ten wins in 13 attempts in 50-over cricket.

Australia were 154 for two, with 75 runs required from 11 overs, when they opted for the batting powerplay. It was a period which began with a huge White six off Ryan Sidebottom, the first by an Australian in the series, and included 41 runs in all.

During this that the 100-run alliance was registered by the third-wicket pair – of which Clarke's share was 40.

Their blend of power and placement, White providing the former, reaped 143 runs in all, with Clarke finally dismissed the next ball after registering his first boundary. Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed the success as Clarke tiredly wiped at a full delivery and was bowled.

White had celebrated his maiden ODI hundred earlier in the over from 116 deliveries.

He eventually succumbed when he mis-hit to mid-off with just nine needed. His innings doused English enthusiasm, which had been stoked by a couple of early wickets in defence of their 229-run target.

Strokeplay proved tricky on the sluggish surface and only England captain Andrew Strauss prospered as once again the home batsmen failed to take responsibility.

Left-hander Strauss was the one top-order player to come to terms with the sluggish surface.

He struck 63, from just 72 deliveries, after opting for a change of tactic, having seen his side fail in pursuit of modest scores during the current campaign.

His innings at least provided hope that one member of the top six could go on and develop a start.

However, he could not fulfil the demand of batting through the full innings as he perished attempting to force the tempo.

Irish-raised Eoin Morgan also helped to ensure respectability

with 43, his highest international score since switching allegiance to England this year.