Manchester: Australia celebrated the consolation prize of winning the one-day series against England on Sunday after the pain of losing the Ashes.
Aaron Finch hit an unbeaten 70 as England was trounced by eight wickets after being dismissed for only 138 at Old Trafford in the deciding fifth ODI.
Australia’s 3-2 series win came after losing the last two ODIs when England looked set to build on its Ashes success.
But after winning the toss and choosing to bat, England was blown away in only 33 overs, with England captain Eoin Morgan forced to retire hurt with a concussion with the hosts at 22-3.
England’s only resistance came from Ben Stokes (42) and Adil Rashid (35 not out). Stokes aside, England’s top eight was unimpressive, with Mitch Marsh and John Hastings claiming combined bowling figures of seven for 48.
The in-form Jason Roy was given out lbw twice in the first over of the day, bowled by the recalled Starc, but after successfully overturning the first he declined to do so a second time. England needed Stokes to lead the lower middle order to a rousing response but although the all-rounder tried his best, Marsh had all the answers. He pounded out a full, testing length and picked up handsome rewards.
Jonny Bairstow and David Willey fell lbw to straight deliveries, DRS used to confirm both dismissals, and Moeen Ali was caught behind driving carelessly away from his body. Stokes’ knock had been the exception, with six boundaries and a clean six over long-off, but Marsh won his third leg before decision to leave England seven down after just 20 overs. (AP)
Brief Scores
England – 138 All Out in 33 Ovrs
(Stokes 42, Marsh 4-27, Hastings 3-21)
Australia – 140 for 2 in 24.2 Ovrs
(Finch 70*, Willey 1-13)