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England’s Champions Trophy bid began with a damaging defeat as Australia pulled off an epic chase of 352 to counter Ben Duckett’s 165 in Lahore.<\/b><\/p>\n
Opener Duckett took England to 351-8 – the highest score in Champions Trophy history – only for Josh Inglis to hit a sensational 120 not out from 86 balls to complete the chase with five wickets and 15 balls to spare.<\/p>\n
It was the highest score England have failed to defend in one-day internationals, made worse by the fact they had their old rivals 136-4 at one stage.<\/p>\n
From there Inglis, Australia’s number five born and raised in Yorkshire, put on 146 in 116 balls with Alex Carey to drag his side back into the contest.<\/p>\n
Carey, having been dropped on 49, was caught for 69 with 70 runs needed from 51 balls and Inglis took charge.<\/p>\n
He flogged England for six sixes – the third bringing up his first ODI century in 77 balls and the sixth sealing the highest successful chase in a global 50-over tournament.<\/p>\n
It compounded fears England failed to capitalise fully on being 200-2 after 30 overs on a fine batting pitch – a surface that only improved under the lights.<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler’s England now have little room for manoeuvre in their final two group-stage fixtures, against Afghanistan on Wednesday and South Africa next Saturday, if they are to finish in the top two and reach the semi-finals. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n