Stokes inspires England to much-needed win

PERTH,  Jan 24 (AFP): It took them almost three months, but England finally notched their first win of their horrific Australian tour in the fourth one-day international against Australia at the WACA Ground Friday.

After eight successive losses to the home nation in both Tests and one-dayers, the tourists finally had something to celebrate with a 57-run win over Australia, which already held an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.

Up against an understrength Australian side led by George Bailey rather than Michael Clarke, who was rested along with Brad Haddin and David Warner, England made 316 for eight after being sent in to bat on a great batting wicket.

In reply Australia made 259 from 47.4 overs.

Even in victory there was late agony for the English, with two chances going begging in the 10th-wicket stand and they also failed to refer a catch behind that Hot Spot revealed had caught the outside edge.

England could largely thank the all-round efforts of man-of-the-match Ben Stokes, who made 70 with the bat and claimed four wickets for 39, and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who thrashed 71 runs and then claimed five catches.

England 8 for 316 (Buttler 71, Stokes 70, Bell 55, Faulkner 4-67) beat Australia 259 (Finch 108, Stokes 4-38) by 57 runs.