Finch propels Australia reach to 270

Australia`s Mitchell Starc (C) celebrates after taking the wicket of England`s Jason Roy during the one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia in Brisbane on 19 January 2018. Photo: AFP
Australia`s Mitchell Starc (C) celebrates after taking the wicket of England`s Jason Roy during the one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia in Brisbane on 19 January 2018. Photo: AFP

Australian opener Aaron Finch scored his second consecutive one-day international century to help his team to 270 for nine in the second ODI against England at the Gabba on Friday.

Finch blasted 106 from 114 balls, including nine fours and a six, to follow the 107 he made at the MCG on Sunday.

The burly opener looked like leading Australia to a score well past 300 but his dismissal, soon after that of Mitchell Marsh, ensured England were able to keep the Australian scoring under control.

Australia started their innings well with Finch and David Warner both dominating the English fast bowlers, who pitched too short on the Gabba wicket.

England captain Eoin Morgan turned to his spinners with immediate effect.

Moeen Ali had Warner caught at slip for 35, bringing Steve Smith to the crease.

The Australian captain struggled to 18 from 25 balls before part-time off-spinner Joe Root trapped him lbw.

Root then enticed Travis Head into charging down the wicket, only to chip a return catch to the bowler to leave the Australians on 124 for three.

Marsh and Finch consolidated but the scoring rate slowed as they struggled to get Ali, Root and leg-spinner Adil Rashid away.

The Australians then lost three wickets for nine runs to allow the English to take control.

Debutant Alex Carey made a quickfire 27 before he was brilliantly run out by Chris Woakes, who used his football skills to kick the ball into the stumps as the batsman attempted a quick single.

Woakes then had Mitchell Starc caught in the deep before running out Andrew Tye on the last ball of the innings.