England wrap up ODI series in style

AUSTRALIA will play for respect in the final two one-day internationals after England sealed a 3-0 series win at the SCG last night.

After electing to bat first in the opening two matches, Aussie skipper Steve Smith opted to bowl this time in a move he hoped would reverse his side’s fortunes.

It looked to be a good call early before Jos Buttler’s blistering 100 not out (83 balls) lifted the tourists up to 8-302 from their 50 overs.

In reply David Warner (8) suffered another early exit and the promoted Cameron White (17) followed soon after.

It was left to Aaron Finch (62) and Smith (45) to rescue the chase but Finch’s demise was followed by a contentious caught-behind call off Smith. The umpires gave the edge off Mark Wood out before sending it upstairs.

Despite it appearing to touch the ground before keeper Buttler snaffled the change, the third umpire stuck with the original call, much to the chagrin of the Aussie skipper.

Mitch Marsh (55) again contributed but his exit left too much to do for the Marcus Stoinis.

The burly allrounder powered his way to 56 but, with 23 needed off the final over, fell in the deep.

Tim Paine (31 not out) chipped in late but another failure raised more questions than it has delivered answers for the Aussies just 18 months out from the next World Cup. likes of