McKay hat-trick sees Aus on top

Australia fast bowler Clint McKay completed a hat-trick in the fourth one-day international against England in Cardiff on Saturday. McKay dismissed Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root in the third over to leave England reeling at eight for three, chasing 228 to level the series at 1-1. Pietersen was trapped lbw for five, Trott edged a catch to Aaron Finch at second slip and Root nicked a full-length delivery to Shane Watson at first slip as McKay became only the fifth Australian to take a hat-trick in one-day internationals.

Earlier, George Bailey top scored with 87 as Australia struggled to make a competitive first innings total in the fourth one day international at Cardiff. The vice-captain passed 1000 runs in his 28th ODI and smashed three sixes off slow bowler James Tredwell. But the England slow bowler responded by taking three late wickets to help dismiss the tourists for just 227 off 48.2 overs. Bailey stood virtually alone in his defiance at SWALEC Stadium as his team-mates struggled to come to terms with the England attack and tricky early conditions.

Having been reduced to 57-4, Australia battled back and were well poised to set a target of over 250 until a late batting collapse which saw their last five wickets fall for just runs 18 runs. England made full use of seamer friendly, slightly damp early pitch conditions to make quick in-roads to the Aussie top order. Steven Finn (2-43) struck with only the second delivery of the day as Australia were scrambled to 57-4. The Middlesex man swung the ball into Aaron Finch, trapping the opener lbw for a duck. Boyd Rankin (2-31) removed the dangerous Shane Watson. England are reeling at 132/5 after 35.4 overs needing 96 to win.