England vs Australia: Jos Butler's attacking half-century takes England past the finish line

Jos Buttler (R) and James Tredwell (L) of England walk off the pitch after winning the 4th Natwest Series One Day International between England and Australia at the SWALEC Stadium on September 14, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.

After being reduced to 8/3 as a result of Clint Mckay’s hat-trick, England showed admirable resilience through half-centuries from Michael Carberry, Eoin Morgan and Jos Butler which helped them chase down the target of 228 with three balls to spare in the fourth Natwest Series One-day international between England and Australia at Cardiff.

Winning the toss, England captain Eoin Morgan opted to bowl first. Australia had made one change to their side with Josh Hazlewood replacing Nathan Coulter-Nile while England, despite having looked underwhelming, played the same eleven.

Australia lost a couple of quick wickets early into the game. Steven Finn trapped Aaron Finch lbw in the very first ball of the match while Boyd Rankin induced an outside edge from Shane Watson with a delivery that moved away from him.

Shaun Marsh, top edging a hook shot to Butler, and Michael Clarke, adjudged leg-before wicket to Finn, did not last long either to leave their team reeling at 57/4 in 13.3 overs. George Bailey and Adam Voges stemmed the flow of wickets by putting together a partnership of 67 runs before Voges was bowled by Ravi Bopara for a 52-ball 30.

However, Bailey found more support in Matthew Wade to make sure Australia had something on the board to defend, as he guided the visitors to a decent score of 227 in 48.2 overs. James Tredwell wrapped up the tail while Rankin accounted for Bailey, who scored a 91-ball 87.

In reply, England were rocked early as Clint Mckay picked up a hat-trick, one which included the wickets of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Joe Root that reduced the home side to 8/3 in 3 overs.

Morgan and Carberry combined to put together 104 runs for the fourth wicket before getting dismissed back-to-back to Watson and Nathan Coulter-Nile respectively. England still needed 102 runs in the last 16 overs with not much batting left.

But Butler rose to the occasion, showcasing his big hitting skills through an unbeaten 65 off 48 deliveries and with some valuable help from Ben Stokes, England managed to level the series 1-1 with one more match to go.