HOBART (AP):

Stand-in captain Steve Smith made an unbeaten 102 to guide Australia to a tense three-wicket win over England in the tri-series one-day cricket international yesterday, clinching their place in the final.

Smith, who led Australia in an ODI for the first time in the absence of George Bailey - suspended for one match for an over-rate infraction - won the toss, bowled, and saw England make 303-8 in 50 overs, thanks to Ian Bell's 141.

He then helped Australia explore their depth ahead of next month's World Cup by marshalling a depleted batting order in a difficult run chase. Australia was without Bailey and frontline batsmen David Warner and Shane Watson - both with hamstring injuries - but paced their reply well and reached 304-7 with one ball to spare.

run chase

Smith then controlled the run chase, carrying his bat for the remainder of the innings. He reached a half century from 51 balls, and his century, his third in ODIs, from 93 balls.

Glenn Maxwell made 37 before recklessly sacrificing his wicket in the 27th over, and James Faulkner made 35. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin hit 42 from 29 balls to make the target more attainable.

Earlier, England batted soundly after being sent in to bat. Bell's 141 and Joe Root's 69 set it up for a challenging total.