'New Level Of Intensity' As England Reach For Whitewash

ChesterleStreet, United Kingdom, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jun, 2018 ) :England captain Eoin Morgan hopes his side can maintain their "new level of intensity" after moving to within sight of a first 5-0 one-day international series whitewash of Australia.

Morgan's men, the number one-ranked side in this format, beat Australia by six wickets at Chester-le-Street on Thursday.

Set an ODI ground record of 311 to win, England finished on 314 for four with more than five overs to spare after Jason Roy (101) hit his second hundred of the series.

Following their century partnership during England's 481 for six -- the highest total in men's ODI cricket -- at Nottingham on Tuesday, Roy and Jonny Bairstow (79) again overwhelmed a novice Australia attack while putting on 174 for the first wicket.

There was a brief wobble when both openers fell in quick succession, but Jos Buttler's unbeaten 54 put the result beyond doubt.

This latest victory left England 4-0 up in the five-match series against world champions Australia heading into Sunday's finale at Old Trafford.

If England did not take early wickets on Thursday, they at least kept Australia in relative check in a total of 310 for eight featuring hundreds from Aaron Finch (100) and Shaun Marsh (101).

Test skipper Joe Root, best known as a top-order batsman, bowled 10 overs of part-time off-spin for a meagre 44 runs.

"We didn't take wickets, which is an area we hope to improve, but we certainly controlled the run-rate," said Morgan.

England did, however, strike late on, thanks to a double blow by fast bowler Mark Wood and three wickets in an over from left-arm paceman David Willey, who finished with four for 43.

"We know it falls on a couple of guys to do really well, or else it can go badly -- and Dave stepped up to the plate and bowled really well," said Morgan.

Meanwhile Finch was frustrated to have been dismissed when well set.