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Aaron Finch hit his second century of the World Cup against England but Australia lost 6-112 to set a target of 286 in their bumper clash at Lord's.

Aaron Finch led from the front with a century but Australia failed to fully capitalise as they posted 7-285 in their bumper World Cup clash with England.

While Finch hit his second century of the tournament with an even 100 at the top of the order, Australia lost 6-112 in the last 18 overs.

The run of wickets included a messy run out, as Marcus Stoinis (8 from 15) and Steve Smith ended up at the same end before the allrounder was sent on his way.

The total still means England will require their fourth highest successful chase against Australia, but the target at one stage appeared as it would be far higher.

Finch had earlier done well to get through a difficult opening period, as he and David Warner put on their third century stand of the tournament.

According to figures from ESPN Cricinfo, Australia's openers were only in control of 35 of the 60 balls they faced in the first 10 overs.

But after they survived the early stages with the ball moving off the pitch and in the air, Warner and Finch fired against spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.

Warner hit six boundaries in his 53 off 61, while Finch's knock included 11 fours and two sixes.

Warner was the first go when he went back to cut Moeen but just spooned in to Joe Root at point.

Khawaja also went before Finch reached his century, bowled by Ben Stokes (1-29) as he tried to play across the line on 23.

At the other end, Finch continued.

He hit Moeen for sixes in successive overs beyond mid-wicket and long on, and was strong on the drive again as he has been throughout the tournament.

He brought up his century off 115 balls from a Chris Woakes misfield at fine leg, but when the same man caught him on the pull off Jofra Archer (1-56) the next ball a procession followed.

Glenn Maxwell was caught behind for 12 off eight balls trying to glide Mark Wood (1-59) to third man.

Stoinis then followed with Australia's sixth run-out dismissal of the tournament, as he pushed for a second off a Smith cover drive with little interest from the former captain.

Smith fell later, caught at long on trying to take Woakes (2-46) down the ground for 38 off 34.

That left Alex Carey to push the late surge with an unbeaten 38 from 27 as Australia hit 22 runs off the final two overs.

The Aussies will have Nathan Lyon at their disposal with the ball, after he and Jason Behrendorff were brought into the side for Adam Zampa and Nathan Coulter-Nile.