Agencies, Nov 19: Steve Smith scored a battling 94 as Australia defeated England by 72 runs in the second one-day international to secure a series victory with a game in hand.

According to the BBC, the former Australia captain shared stands of 101 and 90 with Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, who each made half-centuries, as the hosts posted 280-8 in Sydney.

Chasing 280, a decent total on a dry, bowler-friendly pitch, England got off to the worst possible start, losing two wickets without scoring a run, Reuters reported.

According to the news agency, Mitchell Starc had Jason Roy strangled down the leg side off the second ball of the innings. Three deliveries later, he bowled Dawid Malan with a beautiful outswinger, added Reuters.

Meanwhile, BBC reported that Starc ended with figures of 4-47 and Adam Zampa took 4-45 as England were eventually bowled out for 208 in 38.4 overs and Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead into Tuesday's third and final ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

According to the BBC, England have been reduced to 0-2 only four times in men's ODI cricket. Three of them have been at the hands of Starc in the first over - at Old Trafford in 2020 and now twice at the SCG, in 2015 and 2022.

 
• cricket
 
• Australia-England