Sydney: A scintillating century from Jos Buttler (100 n o, 83b, 6×4, 4×6) helped England register a 16-run win in the third ODI against Australia here which handed the visitors the series victory, Sunday.
The hosts, set 303 to win by England after winning the toss and electing to bowl, managed only 286 for six. The result gave England an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
After Aaron Finch’s (62, 53b, 3×4, 3×6) wonderful start, Australia’s hopes largely rested with Steve Smith (45, 66b, 1×4) and Mitchell Marsh (55, 66b, 4×4), but both were dismissed at a crucial stage.
Marcus Stoinis (56, 43b, 3×4, 2×6) made a late attempt to lift Australia, but England managed to hold on despite losing pacemen Liam Plunkett to a leg injury early in the Australian innings. Mark Wood (2/46) was standout among the English bowlers.
Buttler’s late surge enabled England to reach 302 for six. He notched his fifth ODI century from the last ball of the innings. Buttler found a wily ally in Chris Woakes (53 n o, 36b, 5×4, 2×6) and the duo added 113 runs in 11.5 overs. Josh Hazlewood (2/58) bowled well for the Aussies.
Brief scores
England 302/6 (Jos Buttler 100 n o, Chris Woakes 53 n o; Josh Hazlewood 2/58) beat Australia 286/6 (Aaron Finch 62, Marcus Stoinis 56, Mitchell March 55; Mark Wood 2/46) by 16 runs.
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