Australia have held off a quick England start as well as the rain to take the final ODI match by 49 runs and win the 5-game series 3-2.

Travis Head was named both man of the match and man of the series after dominating in the final game. Head took four wickets in his six over spell only conceding 28 runs. He was also a pivotal figure with the bat knocking 31 off 26 balls helping Australia kickstart their response.

England started their batting innings strong with the openers making 152 including a second career ODI ton for Ben Duckett. Similarly to the game at Trent Bridge, it was theirs to lose. After their fourth batsmen, Harry Brook went out, they sat at 203/3. But then a batting collapse forced them to only finish with a total of 309.

Eight of the 10 wickets were taken by spin bowlers which was a the major factor for the collapse. Australia bowled 194 balls of spin breaking a record for the ODI team.

Chasing England’s 309, the main focus had been on whether Australia could score enough in their first 20 overs. The minimum number of overs required to ensure a result in the match.

The Aussies smashed their way through the first 10-over powerplay scoring 103 for one.

Matt Short opened the batting, hitting a record-breaking half century alongside Travis Head’s 31. Steve Smith and Josh Inglis finished the innings, when the heavy rain started four balls after the 20 over mark allowing the Aussies to win by 49 runs (DLS method).

Photo: The County Ground, Bristol by Clive G is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.