Denly hits half century as England escape whitewash

Seventh one-day international, Riverside:
England 177-6 beat Australia 176 by four wickets

Kent opener Joe Denly (pictured) top-scored with 53 as England avoided a 7-0 one-day series whitewash with a four-wicket win over Australia at the Riverside.

Graeme Swann was England’s chief destroyer with the ball; returning figures of 5-28 as the Aussies were dismissed for just 176 despite an innings of 53 by skipper Ricky Ponting.

Captain Andrew Strauss (46) and Denly (53) then gave England a solid platform with a 106-run opening partnership. A middle-order collapse gave Australia hope but England held on to ensure the victory.

England“s players, including Denly, leave for South Africa tomorrow in readiness for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Picture: Getty Images