England struggle against Australia

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England struggle against Australia

SYDNEY: England struggled to 214 after winning the toss and electing to bat against Australia in the third one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Jonathan Trott provided the only innings of substance for the tourists, who were trying to avoid a third successive defeat after losses in Melbourne and Hobart to start the seven-match series, and remained unbeaten on 84.

It was the third time in as many matches England had failed to bat out their 50 overs.

The tourists are aiming to win their sixth straight ODI series, but haven't been able to continue the dominant form they showed in their 3-1 Ashes triumph.

Trott, who was involved in a disastrous mix-up that saw captain and opener Andrew Strauss run out for 23 when both batsmen ended up at the same end, did his best to hold the innings together, but lacked support.

England got off to a bad start when wicketkeeper Matt Prior was dismissed for his second successive duck at the top of the order since being recalled to the side, trapped lbw by Brett Lee.

Eoin Morgan overcame a scratchy start to make 30, but holed out to Australian captain Michael Clarke at mid-wicket from a loose delivery by part-time spinner David Hussey.

Veteran Paul Collingwood, recalled to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen (groin) again failed and was bowled by spinner Xavier Doherty for one from the second ball he faced.

Collingwood was lucky to survive the first ball, from Hussey, inside edging it just past his stumps for a single.

Doherty bowled impressively to finish with 2-37, and had a third wicket cancelled out on review, while veteran Lee claimed 3-27 from eight overs.

Australia were forced to leave out injured duo Nathan Hauritz and Shaun Tait from the team that won by 46 runs on Friday in Hobart.

Hauritz requires surgery on a dislocated shoulder suffered in the field in Hobart, while Tait has a thigh strain.

The home side recalled Doherty to replace Hauritz and promoted Victorian all-rounder John Hastings.

England were also without Tim Bresnan, who was sidelined with a calf strain.