England post 316 against Australia in fourth ODI

England made the most of some uncharacteristically poor Australian fielding to post an imposing total in the fourth one-day international at the WACA Ground today.
The visitors scored 316 for eight after being sent in to bat in the dead-rubber series, having conceded the first three games.
Emerging star Ben Stokes showed the way with a polished 70 off 84 balls, helped by Jos Buttler's late surge of 71 off 43. Opener Ian Bell kicked off with 55 from 52 deliveries on what looked a prime batting deck.
Under-pressure captain Alastair Cook made a crisp 44 from 43 balls at the top order, only to fall when a much-needed big score seemed likely for the embattled skipper.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler chimed with some scintillating batting in the latter overs to boost an innings that appeared to have lost its way, hitting four sixes as he top-scored.
For just about the first time on the tour, England got on top of paceman Mitchell Johnson, who went wicketless and conceded 72 runs from his 10 overs, although he was on the wrong end of two dropped catches.
The tourists, beaten in all eight of their previous encounters with Australia at Test and limited overs level on a nightmare tour, finally enjoyed some good fortune as the home team couldn't maintain their previous efficiency in the field.

Australia rested three key players for the match -- captain Michael Clarke, wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin and opener David Warner.