Australia restrict England to 6-269 Australia's bowlers fought hard to restrict England to 6-269 in the first innings of their Champions Trophy opener in Birmingham on Saturday, giving the under-pressure batting order a golden chance to exorcise their demons. A sleepy England missed a chance to set a 300-plus target from the 50 overs after winning the toss. In slow and dry conditions, it was tough work for the bowlers, with virtually no swing or movement available for Australia's seamers. But England's top order lacked intent despite a century partnership between Ian Bell (91) and Jonathan Trott (43) and Australia's workmanlike bowlers took advantage, with a fine exhibition of control, patience and skill. All contributed, but James Faulkner was one to announce himself ahead of the Ashes series, the Victorian clean-bowling Bell and danger man Jos Buttler (1) for figures of 2-48 from his 10 overs. Mitchell Starc was the exception to the otherwise economical performance, finishing with 1-75 and going for 25 from his final two overs - with Ravi Bopara (46 from 37) taking advantage. Still, the total appears under par, but Australia's batsmen are coming off a dismal showing against India in a warm-up game earlier this week, where they were skittled for 65. Chasing 270 will be a challenge. Without skipper and star Michael Clarke in the line-up, Australia's top order must stand-up and help Australia lay the platform for a Champions Trophy three-peat. Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson went wicketless but showed enough in his first effort of the Champions Trophy to suggest he should still be considered as a late-inclusion to face England again in the Ashes. Johnson (0-44) bowled with good pace, beating the outside edge often and stunting England's top order with effective short-pitched bowling. England were led well by Bell, however time will tell whether their steady top order should have hit the accelerator earlier. Alastair Cook (30), Bell and Trott are all fine batsmen, but are reluctant to throw the bat. Shane Watson made the initial breakthrough in the 12th over, getting England captain Cook edging to wicketkeeper Matt Wade. With so much at stake on English soil over the coming months, it's a major boost to see allrounder Watson able to bowl at full capacity. Watson (1-26) bowled seven overs, however with his horrendous injury record, it will be a balancing act for Australia to ensure they don't lose the ace up their sleeve. Trott went flashing at a wide ball from Starc with the score 2-168, and the walls started to cave in on the England innings. Faulkner, got rid of Bell, before Joe Root fell lazily to Clint McKay (2-38) to see Australia take control heading into the final 10 overs.