England v Sri Lanka

At Brisbane, January 11 (day/night). England won by four wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka.

England's southern summer blossomed as Fairbrother hit an unbeaten 67 to complete back-to-back wins. It was only his second limited-overs international since the 1996 World Cup; afterwards, he hinted at the problems of that era, remarking that "the difference now is that roles have been defined and strategies made."

Muralitharan had a busy day. He was no-balled by umpire Davis in three successive overs - but for overstepping not throwing, which postponed the feared crisis. Then it was Muralitharan's fielding which abruptly ended England's free-flowing start when he ran out Stewart; he also bowled splendidly. The first friction between the two sides surfaced when Chandana and Fairbrother collided during England's innings; umpire Parker had to intervene.

Man of the Match: N. H. Fairbrother. Attendance: 12,363.