London - AFP
England beat Australia by six wickets to win the second one-day international at The Oval here on Sunday and so take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. England, set 252 for victory, finished on 252 for four with 26 balls left. Ravi Bopara top-scored with 82 after opener Ian Bell had made 75. Earlier Australia, who won the toss, were held to 251 for seven after struggling against disciplined bowling despite opener Shane Watson\'s 66 and George Bailey\'s career-best 65. Fast bowler Steven Finn led an attack missing James Anderson because of a groin injury, with one for 36 in nine overs. If England complete a 5-0 clean sweep they will replace Australia at the top of the one-day international world rankings. The series continues with a day/night match in Birmingham on Wednesday. Brief scores Australia 251-7, 50 overs (S Watson 66, G Bailey 65) England 252-4, 45.4 overs (R Bopara 82, I Bell 75) Result: England won by six wickets Series: England lead five-match series 2-0