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Smith hits 116 as Aussies post 297

3 minute read

Australia have set England a target of 298 in their World Cup warm-up match at Southampton with Steve Smith scoring 116.

BRAD HADDIN Head Coach of CA XI looks on during the One Day Tour Match between the Cricket Australia XI and England at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney, Australia.
BRAD HADDIN Head Coach of CA XI looks on during the One Day Tour Match between the Cricket Australia XI and England at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Steve Smith has continued his excellent run of form with a first century since his 12-month ban as Australia posted a score of 9-297 against England in their World Cup warm-up at Southampton.

Smith scored 116 on Saturday, on the back his unbeaten 89 and 91 against New Zealand in the tune-up matches in Brisbane and the 76 he chalked up in Wednesday's practice game with the West Indies.

The 29-year-old was jeered upon his return to the crease against England, but there was warm applause amid some boos from the crowd of around 8000 when he reached his hundred.

Smith was unable to guide Australia past 300 after being dismissed in the final over and questions will again be asked about the pace of the world champions' innings with 199 scored after 40 overs.

The former skipper did manage produce some much-needed fireworks late in the innings with two huge sixes, as 98 runs were added in the last 10 overs.

David Warner was also booed on his arrival at the crease as he returned to the top of the order alongside Aaron Finch.

The New South Welshman looked unaffected by the reception and made a composed 43 from 55 balls before holing out to Jonny Bairstow off Liam Plunkett.

Finch had earlier departed for five after being deceived by a slower Mark Wood delivery and chipped the ball to mid-on and into the hands of Moeen Ali.

It was to be one of Wood's final contributions in the field with the quick going off with a foot problem after bowling one ball of his fourth over to give the England camp another injury concern.

The hosts were already without skipper Eoin Morgan due to a fractured finger and Adil Rashid, who's nursing a shoulder issue.

Chris Woakes was named in the team but only used as a batsman due to a minor knee problem.

Shaun Marsh was promoted to three and he exited for 30 after gloving a Plunkett delivery to Jos Buttler behind the stumps.

Usman Khawaja, batting at five after recovering from being hit on the jaw by an Andre Russell short ball earlier in the week, scored 31 before being beaten in the flight by Liam Dawson and stumped by Buttler.

Marcus Stoinis joined Smith at the crease with the score at 4-187 in the 43rd over, looking to up the ante with the bat, but he could only make 13 before being run out.

Alex Carey hammered a quickfire 30 off 14 balls before becoming Plunkett's third victim when Tom Curran took a spiralling catch.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was Plunkett's fourth when he played around a full delivery and was bowled.

Smith departed on the penultimate ball of the innings, when he was caught and bowled by Curran, although the delivery appeared to be a bump ball.

Adam Zampa was then run out from the final ball.

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