England’s bid for a comeback series victory against Australia fell short as the tourists beat the rain in Bristol to win the deciding fifth one-day international.
The hosts, having come from 2-0 down to level the series, posted 309 after being put into bat with Ben Duckett scoring 107 – his second ODI century – and captain Harry Brook 72.
But that was a disappointing total given a rampant start which took England to 202-2 inside 25 overs.
Brook’s dismissal began a familiar collapse as eight wickets fell for 107 runs – all of them to spin – and his side were dismissed in their final over.
Australia were similarly aggressive at the start of their chase, openers Travis Head and Matt Short flogging 78 from the first seven overs.
Head was caught at extra cover for 31 and Short nicked behind on 58 but their onslaught had put Australia well ahead of the game with rain clouds looming.
The match threatened to end in farcical fashion with England attempting to slow proceedings and ensure the 20 overs needed for a contest were not bowled in time.
That would have meant no result and a drawn series but, with Steve Smith having nudged 36 not out to keep Australia ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target, the rain arrived four balls into the 21st over.
At that stage Australia were 165-2, 49 runs ahead of the par score, and the players did not return – with the tourists winning the series 3-2.
England’s attention now turns to a three-match Test series in Pakistan with seven of this party flying out on Tuesday.
The series opener begins in Multan on Monday, 7 October.
