Stokes ends England’s suffering

All-rounder helps tourists to 57-run win against Aussies in fourth ODI.

PERTH: A fine all-round display by Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler’s late assault with the bat ended England’s long losing streak against Australia as the visitors won the fourth One-Day International by 57 runs in Perth on Friday.

Wicket-keeper batsman Buttler smashed a 43-ball 71 after Stokes hit a fluent 70 and England posted a total of 316 for eight wickets on the way to their first win over Australia on the tour.

Opener Aaron Finch notched up his second century of the series to lead the hosts’ reply but his 108 off 111 balls was not enough for the hosts.

Man-of-the-match Stokes returned with the ball to pick up four wickets as Australia, without the rested Michael Clarke, David Warner and Brad Haddin, were shot out for 259 runs in 47.4 overs.

England lost the last ODI against Australia at home and had suffered eight consecutive losses to their archrivals including the 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had this feeling,” said England captain Alastair Cook at the presentation ceremony.

“It’s been a frustrating tour and we’ve played a long way below our potential. The good thing is we know it’s there, and when you see the way people have performed today [Friday], you know we’re not a bad side.”

The last match of the series will be played in Adelaide on Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2014.

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