LONDON: Mitchell Johnson starred with both bat and ball as Australia beat England by 39 runs in the second one-day international (ODI) at Lord’s here on Sunday. Victory, achieved with 23 balls to spare, saw world champions Australia go 2-0 up in the seven-match series. England, chasing 250 for victory, were well-placed at 74-0. But a rapid collapse saw them lose four wickets for 23 runs in 33 balls as they slumped to 97-4. Despite the best efforts of Paul Collingwood, last man out for 56, they were unable to retrieve the situation and were dismissed for 210. Earlier, man-of-the-match Johnson’s rapid 23-ball 43 not out helped boost Australia’s total to 249-8. He also claimed 2-50. Together with Nathan Hauritz, he shared an unbroken stand of 41 after Australia were in danger of being bowled out inside their alloted 50 overs. Callum Ferguson top-scored with 55, his second successive fifty after his man-of-the-match winning 71 not out in Australia’s four-run win in Friday’s series opener at the Oval. England captain Andrew Strauss and fellow opener Ravi Bopara got the chase off to a sound start. But all-rounder Shane Watson separated the pair when, with his fifth ball, he trapped Bopara (27) leg before wicket. Watson then made it two wickets for no runs in four balls when Matt Prior was caught behind to leave England 76-2 in the 17th over. Strauss was next to depart. His innings of 47 runs ended in tame fashion when he chipped a gentle return catch to off-spinner Hauritz. England’s decline then continued when Owais Shah was run out after a wretched mix-up with Collingwood. Luke Wright (20) fought back before he was caught behind, off Lee. England were in dire straits at 168-7 in the 37th over. They were given hope by a stand of 36 between Collingwood and Graeme Swann. But the game was up for England when Swann was bowled by Nathan Bracken. And, two balls later, Bracken bowled tailender Ryan Sidebottom for nought. Brett Lee finished the match by bowling Collingwood.

Ponting retires from T20

Sydney: Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Monday announced his retirement from Twenty20 international to prolong his Test career as he bids to return the team to world supremacy. Ponting, smarting from the Ashes defeat to England, will remain as Test and one-day captain and will also play Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition and the Indian Premier League (IPL). “After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket,” he said. “I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about,” he added.— AP