AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND

At Sydney, December 6 (day/night). Australia won by 28 runs. Toss: Australia.

England's middle order let them down after Atherton and Stewart laid the ideal foundations for victory, with 100 in 25 overs. Stewart departed to a disputed catch at backward point - he felt he played the ball into the ground, but umpire Hair disagreed, and television replays supported him.

From then on Australia gradually took control. Pace bowlers McDermott and McGrath were outstanding, though Warne, facing England for the first time since taking 11 wickets at Brisbane, had a quiet match. His final ball effectively settled the outcome, however: he had Gooch caught at long-off. Off-spinners Udal and Hick had reined the home side back after Taylor and Slater started with 96 in 24 overs, but Boon's run-a-ball 64 provided late impetus. The England innings was interrupted three times by streakers, all male.

Man of the Match: D. C. Boon.

Attendance: 38,602.