Pinpoint Ponting punishes poor England

A poor umpiring decision and superb fielding from Australia captain Ricky Ponting left England's hopes a first NatWest Series win in tatters at Trent Bridge.

At 5-0 down and chasing a tough target of 297 captain Andrew Strauss was handed a terrible decision by Asad Rauf two balls into the innings before Ponting produced a superb turn and throw to run out Matt Prior.

A second direct hit from Ponting accounted for Ravi Bopara (24) and after Eoin Morgan became fifth man out England were floundering on 107 for five after 25 overs.

Tim Paine had earlier made a composed century in only his seventh ODI appearance, surely a source of embarrassment for an England side who are well aware of their collective failure to make hundreds in recent times.

James Anderson picked up four wickets on his return to the side after a two-match rest, but with Mike Hussey (65), James Hopes (38) and Cameron White (35) chipping in around Paine it was a stern target.

Strauss, who was unlucky to be given lbw in the fifth match, got a second poor decision from Rauf when he was inexplicably given caught behind to the second ball of the reply.

Brett Lee, already up above 93mph, appealed confidently with the slip cordon after beating the England captain outside off but replays suggest he missed the ball by a distance.

Strauss took an age to leave the field and shook his head in disbelief as he went.

Joe Denly and Bopara were left to rebuild, the latter getting off the mark with a free-hit boundary off Lee.

Denly also looked in good touch, scoring three early fours before welcoming Hopes to the attack with a big six over long-on.