Lee and Doherty impress against poor England

England 214 (Trott 84*, Lee 3-27) v Australia

Xavier Doherty removed Paul Collingwood for 1 during a poor England display © AFP

Australia's resurgent one-day form continued at the SCG as they limited England to 214 although they were given a helping hand by the visitors with batsmen again donating too many wickets. Andrew Strauss fell to a horrid run out and the middle order subsided against Australia's motley collection of spinners. Jonathan Trott, who arrived five balls into the innings and was guilty in the Strauss dismissal, battled his way to an unbeaten 84 as England edged over 200.

Both teams have been badly hit by injuries, with England without Kevin Pietersen (groin) and Tim Bresnan (calf) while Shaun Tait (thigh) is missing for Australia. But it's the hosts who are dealing better with their casualty list as they take advantage of a slip in England's skills with Australia's replacements, Xavier Doherty and John Hastings, both putting in useful contributions.

After slipping to 3 for 61, Trott and Eoin Morgan had begun to revive the innings with a stand of 50 only for Morgan to pull a David Hussey long hop to midwicket where Michael Clarke took a sharp catch. Paul Collingwood's nightmare continued, after he'd been recalled for Pietersen, with an inside edge to get off the mark before missing a straight ball from Doherty that took off stump.

Doherty struck again when Michael Yardy offered a limp return catch to leave England on 6 for 130 and threatening to slide further. Trott and Luke Wright at least stemmed the tide but it was an effort in damage limitation rather than domination as they added 49. Trott became becalmed, although had to ensure he stayed at the crease, and Wright let himself down with a wild drive at Hastings to edge behind.

Clarke was proactive in the field, although it helped that wickets fell regularly, and never bowled anyone in a long spell. Brett Lee returned in the closing overs to have Chris Woakes (12) caught behind and England were forced to take the batting Powerplay with two tailenders alongside Trott, who didn't try to increase his aggression. The second half of his stay included 40 consecutive singles. Ajmal Shahzad spooned to mid-off and the innings ended in suitably shambolic fashion when Chris Tremlett failed to ground his bat.

Lee had given Australia the perfect start when he trapped Matt Prior lbw for his second consecutive duck since being recalled to the one-day team. Prior had already been beaten first ball by a fine outswinger and was then struck on the back leg for an easy lbw decision although he still asked for a review. After learning how to use the UDRS in Tests England aren't showing the same judgement in ODIs.

Strauss targeted Hastings and took consecutive boundaries in his first over as England began to take advantage of the good conditions. However, a shambolic run out knocked them right back when Trott and Strauss were left standing at the same end. The third umpire was needed, but only to decide that Strauss was the man out.

Ian Bell backed up his pre-game talk of retaining a positive approach, but failed to take the chance of a long innings when he got a leading edge that was well caught by Shane Watson in his follow through. Australia thought they'd made another quick inroad by having Morgan caught at slip off an inside edge and reviewed the on-field not out call where TV evidence didn't show any bat. -ESPNcricinfo

At least Trott managed to focus after his involvement in Strauss's departure and a painful blow on his knee when a throw came in at the non-striker's end. Morgan was unconvincing as he was almost caught at long-off then edged into Brad Haddin's knee on 10 and couldn't believe it when he picked out midwicket. He's normally so good at finding the gaps but, like for the team, it's a struggle at the moment.