England finally beats Australia

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 today.

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.

And despite a century by Australian opener Aaron Finch the home side was always struggling in the run chase.

Any realistic hope of an Australian win evaporated when Finch holed out to Stuart Broad at third man from the bowling of Tim Bresnan (3-45) for 108, from 111 balls.

That left Australia at 189 for five in the 36th over and there was no last-gasp miracle from James Faulkner this time.

For one of the few times on their tour, luck ran with the English and they were aided by some uncharacteristically poor fielding by the home side.

They even got a crucial decision review right to remove Bailey cheaply in the Australian innings.

Stokes delivered a polished 70 off 84 balls, while opener Ian Bell chimed in with 55 from 52 deliveries.

Both were dropped during their innings, while captain Alastair Cook made a crisp 44 from 43 balls at the top order, only to fall when a much-needed big score seemed likely for the embattled skipper.