England vs Australia: Brutal learning curve as ropey batting lets England down in second ODI

England were bowled out for just 234 in the second one-day international against Australia at Lord's, with David Warner and Steve Smith scoring fifties as the tourists took a 1-0 lead in the series.

England's top order was once again fragile, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes all falling cheaply. Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone provided some resistance with 47 and 34 respectively, but England were ultimately well short of a competitive total.

Australia's bowlers were excellent, with Mitchell Starc taking 4-47 and Josh Hazlewood taking 3-52. The tourists then chased down the target with relative ease, reaching 235-5 with more than four overs to spare.

Warner and Smith put on 96 for the second wicket, with Warner making 56 and Smith 53. Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis then saw Australia home with an unbroken partnership of 56.

The defeat was a disappointing one for England, who were looking to bounce back from their humbling defeat in the first ODI at the Oval. They will now need to win the third ODI at Headingley on Tuesday to level the series.

England's batting woes continue

England's batting has been a major concern for some time now, and it was once again their undoing in the second ODI against Australia. The top order was particularly fragile, with Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes all falling cheaply.

Roy was out for a duck in the first over of the match, while Bairstow and Stokes both made just 10. Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone provided some resistance with 47 and 34 respectively, but England were ultimately well short of a competitive total.

England's middle order has also been struggling for form, and it was no different in the second ODI. Moeen Ali, Sam Billings and Jos Buttler all failed to make a significant contribution.

Australia's bowlers put in a superb performance

Australia's bowlers were excellent in the second ODI, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood taking four wickets each. Starc was particularly impressive, bowling with great pace and accuracy.

Hazlewood was also excellent, and he was ably supported by Pat Cummins and Ashton Agar. Agar took the wicket of Ben Stokes with a superb delivery that turned sharply.

Australia's bowling performance was a major factor in their victory, and it will give them confidence ahead of the third ODI at Headingley.

Warner and Smith lead Australia's chase

David Warner and Steve Smith put on 96 for the second wicket to lay the foundation for Australia's victory. Warner made 56 and Smith 53, and they both played with great composure.

Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis then saw Australia home with an unbroken partnership of 56. Labuschagne made 48 and Stoinis 36, and they both played with great maturity.

Australia's batting performance was a complete contrast to England's, and it was a major factor in their victory.