Australia post 157-4 in England T20

Adelaide, Jan 12 (AFP) Australia failed to build on thefoundation provided by opener Shane Watson in the Twenty20international against England at the Adelaide Oval today.

In their first clash since the tourists completed thehistoric 3-1 Ashes win over Australia in Sydney last week, thehome side looked set for a big total after reaching 76-0 aftereight overs in the replay of last year''s World Twenty20 finalwon by England.

However, the home side battled from there to finish on157-4.

On what appeared a perfect batting wicket, Watson set thescene for a much bigger score by hitting 59 off just 31 balls.

The right-hander smashed Graeme Swann for threesuccessive sixes from the first three balls of the eighthover, taking 26 off the spinner''s first over.

Watson and David Warner, who made 30 from 28 but neverlooked in good touch, put on 83 at the top of the order.

However, when Watson was clean bowled as he backed awayagainst spinner Michael Yardy, Australia lost their momentum.

With Yardy picking up 2-28, none of the other Australianbatsmen were able to master the English attack.

David Hussey struggled with his timing before falling for28, while new captain Cameron White, taking over from MichaelClarke, made just six.

England are aiming for a record eighth straight T20international win in the match.

In-form batsman Ian Bell was recalled to play his firstT20 match for England since 2008, while Chris Woakes made hisdebut, with Australia naming Aaron Finch for his debut and theVictorian making 15 not out.

The two teams meet again on Friday at the MCG, beforeplaying a seven-match one-day series. (AFP) SHN