WE’LL THROW IT ALL AT AUSSIES

Woakes desperate to end series with a victory and extend England’s five-year unbeaten record at home

ENGLAND are determined to extend their five-year unbeaten ODI home series run – by keeping their last conquerors down.

The world champions go into the final match of the series against Australia at Old Trafford today with the teams tied at 1-1.

And as all-rounder Chris Wo a k e s said: “It just goe s to show how well we have played over these last four or five years.”

Australia were the winners back in 2015, the last time England were humbled at home.

But Woakes is confident that he and his fellow 2019 World Cup heroes can continue a record that is a source of pride within the dressing room.

He said: “It definitely is. To have not lost one series in that time is a hell of an achievement.

“Of course, you want to keep that going, but more importantly you want to win this series and maintain that record.”

After having their fingers burned twice on this tour so far, the Aussies have been warned to respect the fact that this England side are never beaten until the final run is scored or final wicket taken.

That used to be a trait of Aussie white ball sides of recent vintage, when England thought they had a game sewn up only for Michael Bevan or James Faulkner to pop up and steal it at the death.

The boot is most definitely on the other foot now, with England beating Australia by less than 25 runs three times in the last two years.

Woakes said: “Over the last five years we have earned that respect. Across that period teams have realised that we can win from any position and the game is not done until they get over the line.

“Within the dressing room we’ve got that character and the belief that we can win from any position.

“We’ve found that in this series and also in the T20 series, so we’ve earned that respect.

“A few years ago we probably thought we could only win from a tricky position with the bat, chasing, but now we feel like we can do it with the ball as well.

“We haven’t played our best cricket across this series yet, so we want to bring it all together with a big performance in the final game.”

England’s fielding is the one area that could do with a huge improvement at Old Trafford after coughing up plenty of runs and chances so far.

The last thing they’ll want to do is give Steve Smith an extra life if he takes his place in the Aussie team as expected following a precautionary break in case of concussion.

Smith took a blow to the head at nets last Thursday, but is back training and batted in the same nets on Tuesday, and the Aussies are hopeful of his return.

Coach Justin Langer said: “Steve is definitely tracking in the right direction.

“We are hopeful he will be right. Fingers crossed he will be ready. He’s ticked every box at the moment.”