Edgbaston encounter finely poised

England's Champions Trophy opener against Ashes rivals Australia was in the balance after a positive start by the home attack at Edgbaston.

Ian Bell made 91 after England chose to bat first, but after a slow-scoring middle period there was a nagging feeling that their 269 for six was short of par.

For an Australia side that was bowled out for 65 in their last game it still posed a considerable challenge, though, and they were 47 for two 15 overs into the reply.

England sprung a surprise at the toss with the news that Graeme Swann had a back injury and Steven Finn had been dropped, but Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan both struck early to prove the attack still had teeth.

James Anderson and Broad began well, sending down three tight overs before David Warner clipped the latter for the first four of the innings.

The bowler had his revenge soon after, pushing one across Warner and finding an edge that was well taken by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Broad almost added the scalp of Shane Watson for 10, but Alastair Cook was unable to cling on one-handed at slip.

A Broad maiden left Australia on 35 for one at the 10-over mark - 19 shy of England's mark at the same stage.

Another sharp chance came Cook's way when Phil Hughes flashed hard in Tim Bresnan's second over, but he was only able to slow it down.

However, Bresnan removed Watson for 24 in the 15th over, with Cook taking the catch.