England are set a 271-run chase by Australia

AUSTRALIA opener Aaron Finch made it back-to-back tons in the second one-day international against England — but the tourists were left with a chase of 271 in Brisbane.

Having hit 107 in a losing cause in the series opener, Finch followed up with 106 in Brisbane. However, despite opting to bat first, the hosts never managed to impose themselves on the English attack as they posted 270-9.

With England having chased down 305 with relative ease in Melbourne, and no obvious demons in the pitch, Australia will need to bowl with authority to avoid slipping 2-0 behind in the series.

Joe Root’s off-spin proved an expected trump card, accounting for Steve Smith (18) and Travis Head in a seven-over spell worth 2-31.

Adil Rashid picked up two wickets, Chris Woakes turned in nine overs of great control and Liam Plunkett became the 11th English bowler to reach 100 ODI scalps when he ended Finch’s 114-ball stay.

England named an unchanged XI against an Australian side showing three changes, Alex Carey and Jhye Richardson making debuts and Cameron White recalled.

MICHAEL Jones made it back-toback half centuries despite Scotland slipping to a second defeat against Ireland.

After making 87 on his debut, Jones led the way with 74 as the Saltires eventually fell to a spirited 24-run defeat in Dubai.

Ireland had set a daunting total of 331 but were given a scare as Jones led the way before Calum MacLeod and Michael Leask hit brisk half centuries. However, they held on to maintain their winning start in the tri-nation series and leave Scotland without a point from their two games.