Root helps England take 2-0 series lead over Aussies

England produced a formidable show at the Gabba as they registered a four-wicket victory over Australia to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, here on Friday.

Earlier, Australia scored 270 for the loss of nine wickets.

Aaron Finch blasted 106 from 114 balls, his second century of the series.

Chasing the target, Jonny Bairstow contributed 60 runs for England while Alex Hales scored 57.

Skipper Joe Root stayed with the team till the end with an unbeaten 46.

He was also named the man of the match for his two-wicket spell alongside an unbeaten knock.

Root took the crucial wickets of skipper Steve Smith for 18 and dismissed Travis Head for cheap seven.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc chipped in with four wickets while Jhye Richardson picked two.

The hosts played without leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who proved expensive in the opening ODI in Melbourne.

Skipper Steve Smith picked batsman Cameron White as the replacement.

There were two debutants for the side in the form of Jhye Richardson and wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

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