England's Ravi Bopara hits out watched by Australia's wicketkeeper Matthew Wade during the fifth One-Day International against Australia at the Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester Tuesday. — Reuters MANCHESTER – Ravi Bopara's flamboyant unbeaten 52 steered England to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Australia in the reduced-over fifth and final One-Day International here Tuesday. Bopara's 56-ball knock helped England reach a target of 138 from 29 overs with 11 deliveries to spare, sealing a thumping 4-0 series win after the third match was washed out. Captain Alastair Cook (58) and Bopara's 92-run third-wicket stand proved vital after England had slipped to 34 for two on the sodden pitch. After rain delayed the start, Australia batted for just 32 overs, making 145 for seven lifted by a late cameo from George Bailey who made 46 not out) Man of the Match Bopara, who averaged 91 for the series, again impressed with the ball by taking two for eight off four overs. Off-spinner James Tredwell chipped in with two for 23. “I think the pitch got better as the night went on," said Bopara. “The knock at the Oval stood me in good stead for the rest of the series," he added in reference to his 82 in the second game. Top-ranked Test side England, which has risen to third in the one-day rankings, now turns its attention towards the three-match Test series against South Africa starting at The Oval next Thursday. Australia captain Michael Clarke paid tribute to an ever-improving England unit. “Once again England showed what a class side they are," he said. “It's another reminder of what a good team they are and how well prepared we're going to have to be in 12 months time for the Ashes."Tsolekile replaces Boucher Stumper Thami Tsolekile will replace the retired Mark Boucher in South Africa's test squad on the tour of England, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced Wednesday. Boucher was forced to retire from international cricket Tuesday after suffering a lacerated eyeball during South Africa's tour match against Somerset. Always under Boucher's shadow, 31-year-old Tsolekile made his Test his debut against India in 2004 but has been out of the squad since playing his third and last against England in the same year. “Thami has done very well both the Lions (his South African franchise) and South Africa A for a couple of seasons, culminating in his South African record eight catches in an innings this past week," CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said in a statement. ““With AB de Villiers also able to fill the role of wicketkeeper in the Test series it gives the tour selectors options in this important position," he added. South Africa will play three Tests against England with the first Test set to start on July 19 at The Oval in London. — Agencies
