England slide to lowest total on tour

SYDNEY, Jan 26 (Reuters) England crumbled to their lowest score on tour when they collapsed for just 110 in their tri-series one-day international against Australia at Adelaide Oval today.

Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson captured four wickets as England's innings came to an abrupt end inside 35 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat first.

England's total of 110 was their lowest so far on their disastrous tour Down Under, falling 10 short of the 120 they made in Tuesday's 90-run loss to New Zealand.

It was also their equal ninth lowest total in the 450 one-day internationals they have played against all opponents and their fourth lowest against Australia.

Ian Bell top-scored with 35 off 31 balls, featuring a six and two fours, but only four other players made double figures and none made 20.

Johnson, who was added to the team after Australia rested their two frontline seamers Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken, took 4-45 from 10 overs while Brett Lee and Brad Hogg claimed two wickets each and Stuart Clark and Andrew Symonds one apiece.

The Australians bowled superbly on a flat pitch but were helped by some poor England batting, with most players just throwing their wickets away.

Mal Loye departed for nine after flaying at a wide delivery from Lee while his fellow opener Andrew Strauss went for 17 when he tried a late cut off Johnson that caught the edge.

Ian Bell hit a simple catch to Michael Clarke at point while Ed Joyce pulled Lee to mid-on.

Paul Collingwood gifted Clark a catch at mid-off before the the captain Andrew Flintoff guided a simple catch to Ricky Ponting at slip and triggering a late collapse that saw the last five wickets tumble for just seven runs.

England's innings finished so quickly that Australia were told to start their reply immediately because the tea break was still over an hour away.

Reuters SAM VP1208