Cardiff: England on Saturday secured a nervy three-wicket victory over Australia thanks to Jos Buttler's 65 not out to level the one-day series at 1-1 with one game left to play. This came despite Clint McKay grabbing a hat-trick for the tourists when he ripped through the top of the England order, dismissing Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root in his second over to leave England reeling at eight from three in pursuit of Australia's 227 all out.
The dynamic young pair came together with their side appearing to be heading for another defeat and losing the series as well. England needed 84 runs from just over 11 overs when Ravi Bopara was out. But Buttler (65 not out) and Stokes (25) managed to turn the game on its head. Durham all-rounder Stokes was out near the end but Buttler remained and hit the winning runs with a boundary off Mitchell Johnson with three balls remaining for a three wicket win.
It sets up a thrilling end to the series at Southampton on Monday. Chasing 228 to win, fast bowler Clint McKay's stunning hat-trick at the start of the England innings had put Australia well on top. The big Aussie fast bowler was called into their side as a late replacement -- and then left Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root embarrassed as they limped slowly back to the pavilion. Michael Carberry (63) and Eoin Morgan (53) led the recovery before both they and Ravi Bopara fell. But Buttler and Stokes were waiting to become the stars of the hour.
England's bowling had blown hot and cold earlier in the day with the pace of Steven Finn and Boyd Rankin ripping apart the Aussie top order in seamer friendly early conditions. And then slow bowler James Tredwell found his form late in the innings to take three wickets as Australia were bowled out for 227 off 48.2 overs. But they had had their rivals on the ropes only to lack the know how or ability to tighten their grip on the match with vice-captain George Bailey saving his side from complete disaster with 87 from 91 balls. Finn (2-43), struggling to rediscover some of his old form, did show real pace and zip with the Middlesex star removing opener Aaron Finch second ball.
