Australia sealed a clinical eight-wicket victory over England at Old Trafford to win the ODI series 3-2 on Sunday .
England were looking to complete an impressive turnaround after losing the first two games, but that looked increasingly unlikely with each wicket that fell, before they were skittled for 138. Australia lost just two wickets in their chase to wrap up the victory, and leave English shores with a series triumph under their belts after losing the Ashes and the one-off T20.
England chose to bat first, but in a bizarre first over riddled with umpiring errors, Jason Roy departed for four, despite replays suggesting that if he’d reviewed his lbw decision, he would have survived.
Alex Hales wrapped up his miserable series to walk back for four, before James Taylor could only muster 12 as John Hastings and Mitchell Starc bowled brilliantly in tandem. England’s biggest blow then occurred shortly after, as captain Eoin Morgan was struck flush on the helmet by a short Starc delivery. Rattled by the incident, he was forced to retire hurt on one, with concussion concerns.
Jonny Biarstow and Ben Stokes’ stand of 34 proved to be their side’s most productive, but Bairstow could only put together 10, as Mitchell Marsh, the Man of the Match , grabbed his first of four wickets on the day. Stokes looked in good nick, but Marsh then accounted for Moeen Ali and David Willey, before Stokes departed for 42.
Adil Rashid made a valiant 35, but the tail was dealt with efficiently as they were bowled out for 138.
Australia lost an early wicket in response as Willey took out Joe Burns for a duck, and Mark Wood gave England a glimmer of hope when he removed skipper Steve Smith for 12.
That was as good as it got for the hosts, however, as Aaron Finch and George Bailey saw off the remaining runs with ease. Finch hit 70 and Bailey 41 in a 109-run stand, to hand their side the eight-wicket victory. After losing the Ashes and the T20, Australia had the last laugh with the ODI series victory.
