England knocked off top spot again

England missed out on the twin prizes of a series whitewash over Australia and an extended spell at number one in the world as they suffered a fivewicket defeat in the third Twenty20 international last night.

Captain Eoin Morgan’s dislocated finger saw him join a growing list of absent first-choice players – including Jason Roy, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler for varying reasons – with Moeen Aliformallyleading the side for the first time at the Ageas Bowl.

Sent in to bat first the hosts posted a modest 145 for six, Jonny Bairstow top-scoring with 55 as the rest of the depleted top six faltered, with a brilliant spell of three for 21 from Adil Rashid not quite enough in response.

Rashid controlled and attacked as he removed Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith to get the nerves running in a team who had messed up a simple chase in their previous attempt, but the recalled Mitch Marsh made a sharp 39 not out to complete the chase with three balls remaining.

As a result Australia salvaged a 2-1 scoreline rather than a 3-0 humbling, and more importantly regained top spot in the ICC table, just two days after their rivals had leapfrogged them.

England’s batsman endured a flat- footed start from which they never quite recovered, Tom Banton’s audition at opener lasting six balls and bringing just two singles before he nicked Josh Hazlewood.

England’s score was thin and needed early wickets if it was going to look any more imposing.

Instead, Matthew Wade and Finch built a solid base and, aided by some missed chances in the field, the tourists sealed victory.

Australia’s Aaron Finch is bowled by Adil Rashid.