Martyn’s sting

JAIPUR, India, Oct 21, 2006 (AFP) -

Damien Martyn celebrated his birthday with a fluent half-century under pressure to script Australia's crucial six-wicket win over England in the Champions Trophy here on Saturday.

Damien Martyn celebrated his birthday by leading Australia to an easy six wickets victory over England.-AP

Martyn, who turned 35 on Saturday, scored a solid 78 as Australia overcame a triple blow to surpass England's modest total of 169 with 13.1 overs to spare to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Australia were reeling at 34-3 before Martyn restored their fortunes with a quality knock to ensure the superb efforts of pacemen Shane Watson (3-16) and Mitchell Johnson (3-40) did not go waste.

England are virtually out of contention after suffering their second successive defeat in the four-team Group A. They will take on the West Indies in their last league game at Ahmedabad on October 28.

India and the West Indies have one win apiece from one match, and Australia one victory from two games. The top two sides advance to the semi-finals.

“Watson and Johnson were outstanding in the middle overs and then Damien played a superb knock. In the end, it was a resounding victory for us,” said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Australia lost Adam Gilchrist (10), Ponting (one) and Watson (21) in the space of four runs when the game resumed after a 10-minute break due to power failure.

Sajid Mahmood grabbed two wickets and fellow-paceman James Anderson one before their team ran into Martyn, who drove beautifully on both sides of the wicket to end England's early celebrations in the day-night match.