Steven Finn inspires England to nine-wicket thumping of India
England reignited their World Cup preparations by thrashing India by nine wickets in their second tri-series group match in Brisbane.
Steven Finn took 5 for 33 and James Anderson 4 for 18 as India were dismissed for just 153 in 39.3 overs, with Stuart Binny's 44 from 55 balls the only display of resistance from the 50-over world champions.
Though Moeen Ali was dismissed for just eight, Ian Bell (88 not out) and James Taylor (54 not out) put on 129 for the second wicket to cap the most dominant performance of Peter Moores' second spell in charge.
"It came out nicely," explained Finn. "The guys set the tone well and then for the batsman to come out in a broken up innings and they did was good.
"It's nice to come here and take some wickets and help us win the game. There are some bad memories from last year but I am glad I came out and helped. There are still bits to work on but I am in a good place."
India captain MS Dhoni said: "I don't think we batted very well. I felt the wicket was slightly two paced and our batsman found it difficult. Without enough runs on the board the bowlers can't do much.
"Every batsman has their own strengths. We haven't been able to build partnerships. We're not rotating the strike and when we go after the ball that is when we lose wickets.
Moores' side travel to Hobart on Friday to face a weakened Australia side without the suspended Glenn Maxwell, while David Warner is also expected to be rested. The Australians are hoping to record a third straight win which would all but book their place in the tri-series final.
However, regardless of the result later in the week, the performance which accompanied the destruction of India will provide major encouragement for an England team which appeared in turmoil ahead of the World Cup, which starts next month.
Skipper Eoin Morgan added: "We really put a complete performance in today, I'm delighted. If nothing over the last 12 months we've put in some outstanding individual performances and that was the same of Steve Finn today. He's come a long way at Middlesex and to produce a performance like this makes me very happy."
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