AUSTRALIA have slumped to a one-wicket defeat in the fifth ODI at Old Trafford with England wrapping up a 5-0 series whitewash.
Defending a paltry 205, the tourists threatened to pull off an unexpected win with a gutsy bowling display as England struggled to reel in the target.
But they were unable to contain England vice-captain Jos Buttler, who came to crease with his side 4-27, crafted an unbeaten century and got them home with nine balls to spare.
The win secured England’s first-ever clean sweep against their old rivals in any format.
Their reply started far earlier than most expected in sun-drenched Manchester after Australia’s dismal total.
But the world’s No.1 ranked ODI team also struggled early, with opener Jason Roy bowled by spinner Ashton Agar for one.
Billy Stanlake (3-35) ripped through the top order, removing Jonny Bairstow (12) and Joe Root (1) in the same over and skipper Eoin Morgan (0) in the next. And when Alex Hales was caught by Tim Paine off Kane Richardson (3-51) for 20, England were 5-66.
