England ended their run of nine straight losses in a row to Australia with a stunning 92-run win over the world champions at Sydney on Friday.

For a change everything went right for England when they won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch full or runs as Ed Joyce belted 107 and Ian Bell made 51 to help them make an imposing total of 292 for seven from their 50 overs, just a week after they were bowled out for 110.

Australia could only manage 200 in reply, bowled out in the 39th over after Matthew Hayden top scored with 51 and Andrew Symonds made 39 before retiring hurt with a bicep injury.

Australia’s defeat was their first in any form of the game since the preliminary rounds of last year’s Champions Trophy in India but they only had themselves to blame after a strangely subdued performance.

The loss of captain Ricky Ponting before the toss did not help but they were sloppy in the field, dropping several catches and bowling 19 wides. Loosing Gilchrist of the first delivery was the beginning of their downfall and their chances of winning ended when Symonds retired hurt.

This win might have come a bit late for the Englishmen but nevertheless it’s always good to have a win under your belt.

Ed Joyce was declared the MoM for his brilliant 107.

Brief Scores

England 292-7 (50 Overs) beat Australia 200-9 (38.5 Overs)