Australia beat England at the Oval

Australia avoided the possibility of a series whitewash by beating England by 78 runs in the fourth One-Day International at The Oval in England today.



Ryan Harris took 5 for 32, Doug Bollinger 2 for 38 and Steven Smith 2 for 59 as England were bowled out for 212 in 42.4 overs, chasing Australia's challenging total of 290 for 5.



Michael Yardy was England's top scorer with 57 from 63 balls, including five fours, but the host lost wickets at regular intervals, with paceman Harris particularly impressive with the ball.



Earlier, Michael Clarke was left stranded at the end of Australia's innings on 99 not out, a 106-ball knock that included seven fours. He was denied a century when Steven Smith 18 not out faced the last five balls of the team's innings.



Clarke shared a third-wicket partnership of 155 with Ponting, who made 92 from 93 balls, including 10 fours.



England lead the five-match series 3-1 going into the final match at Lord’s on Saturday.