Australians win wars of wits

Australia, led by Damien Martyn’s unbeaten century, scored a thrilling seven-run victory in a triangular series one-day international on Saturday after England failed to capitalise on a 165-run opening stand.

Needing 12 runs to win with four wickets in hand at the start of the last over, England could manage only four runs for the loss of captain Nasser Hussain, who made a gallant 43 off 38 balls. Tailender Andy Caddick faced the last three balls, hitting a two then missing the final two deliveries from Shane Watson.

SCOREBOARD

Australia: 271 (D Martyn not out 101; M Bevan 52). England: 264 (M Trescothick 82, N Knight 85; N Hussain 43; Watson 2/36, Hogg 3/55). Story continues below this ad

Watson held his nerve to take two for 36 from eight overs after the more experienced Brett Lee went for 65 from his 10 overs. Australia won the toss and batted first, scoring 271 for four as Martyn reached his century with a boundary off Caddick to fine leg from the last ball of the innings at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Man of the match Martyn, who made 101 not out, shared partnerships of 118 with Michael Bevan (52) and 100 with Jimmy Maher (49 not out).