England’s World Cup preparations took a hit at the Ageas Bowl as they fell to a 12 run defeat against Australia.
Ex-Baggy Greens skipper Steve Smith was given a hostile reception when he took to the field against England for the first time since serving a ban for ball-tampering.
But it didn’t appear to impact his performance as he made 116 off 102 balls to steer the visitors to 297-9 in their innings.
James Vince and Jos Buttler led England’s fight back with 64 and 52 respectively but the World Cup favourites failed to complete the job.
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With 15 required off the last over, England lost their final two wickets and will be left to pick up the pieces over the next few days.
England go up against Afghanistan in their last warm-up game on Monday before kicking off their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Thursday.
Mark Wood, Liam Dawson and Jofra Archer all left the field with injuries, although the latter returned at the end of the day with the bat.
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