Swann spins England to victory

England restored some pride before the Champions Trophy by beating Australia by four wickets at Chester-Le-Street in the final one-day international.

Graeme Swann's ODI best of 5-28 was the difference as England avoided the embarrassment of a 7-0 whitewash against their fierce rivals.

The home side won the toss and elected to bowl on what looked like a helpful pitch for the fielding side.

And Andrew Strauss' decision paid off as James Anderson and debutant Graeme Onions picked up a wicket each to leave Australia on 17-2.

A 79-run partnership between Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke helped Australia recover until Swann struck to remove Ponting for 53.

He briskly went on to knock over the middle order, and despite late resistance from Mike Hussey - who hit 49 - Australia slumped to 176 all out.

A combination of wayward bowling and calm batting from Strauss and Joe Denly saw them put on 106 for the first wicket, before Strauss holed out to Ben Hilfenhaus off the bowling of Nathan Hauritz for 47.

Denly soon followed for 53, as Australia hit back to reduce England to 141-4.

However, despite continuing to lose wickets, Paul Collingwood and Tim Bresnan made use of the numerous overs remaining to comfortably see out a morale boosting victory with ten overs to spare, as England prepare to open their Champions Trophy campaign against Sri Lanka on Friday.