Michael Clarke hits out against England
Mike Hewitt
2012 Getty Images

Runs from NSW SpeedBlitz Blues players, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and David Warner, weren’t enough to get Australia over the line in either of the two opening One Day Internationals against England played over the weekend.

Australia bowled first in Game One (June 29) at Lord’s with England posting 5-272 from 50 overs, despite their innings being interrupted on a couple of occasions by rain. Eoin Morgan (89 off 63) and Jonathon Trott (54 off 70) top scored for the home side while Brett Lee (1-57), Clint McKay (1-43), Pat Cummins (1-53), Xavier Doherty (1-50) and Shane Watson (1-65) all claimed a wicket.

Unfortunately, the Australians were unable to build partnerships towards the end of their innings. Captain, Michael Clarke, top scored with 61 off 67 balls, while David Warner hit 56 from 61 balls at the top of the order. Brett Lee tried hard to get the Aussies over the line at the death with 29 not out from 21 deliveries, but it was not enough to stop England from prevailing by 15 runs.

Scorecard: http://livescores.cricket.com.au/summary_2713_1.html

Australia went into Game Two at The Oval (July 1) without fast bowler, Pat Cummins. The young NSW quick suffered a side strain during the match at Lord’s and will play no further part in the tour.

Batting first, the Australians managed 7-251 from their 50 overs with Shane Watson (66 off 80) and George Bailey (65 off 86) the best performers.

England reached the victory target with almost four overs to spare and with six wickets in hand, with Ravi Bopara (82 off 85) and Ian Bell (75 off 113) leading the way with half-centuries. Clint McKay (1-42), Shane Watson (1-34) and Michael Clarke (1-13) were the wicket takers.

Scorecard: http://livescores.cricket.com.au/scoreboard_2713_2.html

Game three of the series is on Wednesday night (July 4) at Edgbaston.