Summary The tournament hosts looked well-placed on 168-1 in the 34th over on a flat pitch.
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) - England failed to build on a strong start to its Champions Trophy match against fierce rival Australia on Saturday, finishing on 269-6 at Edgbaston with Ian Bell top-scoring with 91.
The tournament hosts looked well-placed on 168-1 in the 34th over on a flat pitch, but the innings stalled after Jonathan Trott departed for 43 after an 111-run partnership with Bell.
Ravi Bopara (46 not out) and Tim Bresnan (19 not out) provided some flourishes in a late rally but Australia will be satisfied with its disciplined bowling performance in good conditions for batting.
Clint McKay had team-best bowling figures of 2-38 as the two rivals look to land a psychological blow ahead of the Ashes series starting July 10.
