Australia and England will now contest in the three-match ODI series beginning Friday at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
Australia cricketers. (Photo by Michael Sheehan / AFP)
Australia on Tuesday defeated England in the third and final Twenty-20 International (T20I) of the series by five wickets at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. England, though, won the series 2-1.
However, with the victory, the Aaron Finch-led side regained their top spot in the ICC Rankings for the T20I teams after a temporary slide. With 275 points, Australia lead England by 4 points.
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Australia had started the series with 278 points but dropped to second having lost the first two T20Is. Meanwhile, India stand third with 266 and Pakistan follow them with 261 points.
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In the absence of Eoin Morgan on Tuesday, England were led by Moeen Ali and the difference in captaincy was evident. Australian bowlers dominated the English batsmen for the first time in the series and restricted them to 145/6 at the end of the 20 overs.
Jonny Bairstow was the highest scorer for the hosts with his 44-ball knock of 55 runs. Joe Denly contributed with 29 off 199 balls at the twilight of the innings, while Dawid Malan and Ali scored 21 and 23 respectively.
The visiting bowlers staged a collective display with everyone getting a wicket under thei name. Adam Zampa with 2/34 was the most successful bowler. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar took a scalp each.
Chasing, Australia were off to a breezy start but lost opener Matthew Wade (14 off9), who replaced David Warner, early in the fourth over. However, fiery knocks from skipper Aaron Finch (39 off 26) and Marcus Stoinis (26 off 18) made sure the chase was on course.
Australia and England will now contest in the three-match ODI series beginning Friday at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
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