Stuart Broad on fire as England breeze past Australia

Stuart Broad took four wickets on Friday (Photo: Ali K)

England followed their victory at the Rose Bowl with another comprehensive win in Cardiff.

Stuart Broad took four wickets to restrict the Aussies before half centuries from Andrew Strauss and Eoin Morgan cruised England to their four wicket win.

Again Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat and again a solid start was made by Shane Watson and Tim Paine. Soon after the 50 partnership Broad took his first wicket, taking the edge of Tim Paine.

Similarly to the match in Southampton the top order collapsed as Broad’s fantastic variation of line, length and speed left, Ponting in particular, all at sea; the Aussie captain eventually edging to Kieswetter.

A terrific piece of captaincy and team planning saw the end of Michael Clarke. Notoriously weaker against the shorter ball, Strauss called Graeme Swann into short leg—an unorthodox position for one day cricket.

A shorter ball from Broad was fended off to Swann to the jubilation of the whole England side.

Luke Wright was given more overs after his impressive performance at the Rose Bowl. He rewarded Strauss’ faith almost immediately by claiming the wicket of Watson.

Cameron White and Michael Hussey briefly stopped the rot before Hussey was bowled by Anderson. This brought youngster Steve Smith to join Cameron White and the pair dragged Australia from 118-5 to 202-6.

Broad was brought back into the attack to take his forth wicket. White continued his fine innings, batting through to end on 86 not out and helping the Aussies to a below par 239-7.

After the loss of Kieswetter, Strauss and Pietersen carried on the charge to the Aussie total.

A stunning one-handed catch from Ponting at mid wicket, however, saw the end of Kevin Pietersen. Having already hit eight runs from the over many will criticise Pietersen for his arguably unnecessary big shot off leg spinner Smith.

Soon after passing his fifty Strauss gifted a return catch to Hauritz as Tuesday’s centurion Eoin Morgan and Paul Collingwood guided England through the middle overs.

During his 48 Collingwood became the leading run scorer for England in one day international cricket, passing Alec Stewart’s record.

When he, Wright and then Morgan departed the Aussies were once again back in the game. However Swann and Tim Bresnan ensured nerves were minimal reaching the target with over four overs to go.