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Warner and Finch make World Cup history as Australia crush England

David Warner and Aaron Finch can lay claim to being the most consistent opening pair in World Cup history, notching up a fifth successive half-century stand.

The duo put on 123 for the first wicket against England on Tuesday, after they were sent in to bat at Lord's.

It marked the first time any opening pairing in World Cup history have hit five straight partnerships of 50 or more.

The form pairing of the tournament, the Australian openers' streak now goes back to their loss to India, when they put on 61 for the first wicket.

They also knocked up 96 in the first match of the tournament against Afghanistan before failing for the only time against the West Indies.

They have put on more than 100 on the first wicket on three occasions too, against Pakistan, Bangladesh and England on Tuesday.

David Warner and Aaron Finch fired again. Image: Getty
David Warner and Aaron Finch fired again. Image: Getty

Only Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in 2007 have hit as many century partnerships at the top of the order in a single World Cup.

It's telling, given by the time of their dismissals Warner was ranked No.1 in the tournament for runs scored with 500, while Finch was second on 496.

Finch said earlier this week the pair's success was largely down to their measured approach and desire to keep wickets in hand early.

"It hasn't probably been as quick as people are used to in the past when we've batted a bit of time together," Finch said on Sunday.

"There are no goals. There are no benchmarks we try and set (in the powerplay).

"But being no wickets down, that's crucial for any opening combination. That lays a really good foundation."

The duo are also well on track to challenge Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga tally of 800 runs while batting together at the 2011 World Cup.

They have now put on 642 together in their partnerships for the tournament, with two more group matches and a likely finals berth to come.

Lefties fire to crush England

Australia found an answer to their World Cup bowling conundrum with left-armers Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc ripping through England to claim a 64-run victory at Lord's.

After Finch hit an even 100 to lead Australia to 7-285, Behrendorff and Starc took nine of England's 10 wickets to roll them for 221 in reply.

Tuesday's result guaranteed Australia a semi-finals spot and left England's hopes in doubt, sitting fourth with two big games to play after entering the tournament as favourites.

But crucially for Australia it gave them a potential eye to the rest of their tournament, as they have swapped between quicks with questions asked about the depth behind Starc and Pat Cummins.

Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc celebrate. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc celebrate. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Behrendorff took 5-44 after being handed the new ball with Starc, swinging it considerably as the pair had England at 3-26 early.

"That's where I guess one of my primary strengths lies, bowling up front, swinging with the new ball," Behrendorff said.

"It was great to be given that opportunity to be able select, as well, with the wicket early doors."