Curran the Perth mover for England

TOM CURRAN bowled England to victory on the first day at Perth’s new Optus Stadium and the last of a compelling one-day series.

The Surrey seamer showed nerves of steel to see his side over the line in front of 55,000 fans, taking five for 35 to cap a 4-1 series win over Australia.

England scrambled to 259 batting first on an unpredictable surface – Jason Roy thrashing a quick 49 and Joe Root a more studious 62 – and appeared to have lost control of the chase when Australia reached 192 for four.

But Curran led a stirring comeback, scattering the tail to seal a 12-run triumph. The 22-year-old said: “What a stadium, what a day and what a team to be a part of.

“It’s a very special day. That’s what we train for. You want to be asked to perform in the big moments and to be involved when the game can go either way. That’s when you get the most satisfaction.”

Australia’s Steve Smith, who has gone from a conquering hero in the Ashes to an embattled batsman and captain since switching formats, insisted he had the appetite to revive his side’s fortunes.

Smith said: “I’m happy leading these boys at the moment but unfortunately I haven’t done as well with the bat as I’d have liked.

“Me and Davy Warner, as the senior players, haven’t stepped up and that really hurts the team.

“But I’d like to keep take this team forward and I’m doing the best I can.”