Shane Watson leads Australia to 49 run victory over England in 5th ODI to give Australia series win

Shane Watson‘s 143 helped Australia to 298 all out in 49.1 overs after Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat. England could only make 249 in reply as they were bowled out in 48 overs to give Australia a 2-1 series win.

Watson was ably supported by Australia captain Michael Clarke, who battled through with his bad back, as the pair put on a 163 run partnership for the 4th wicket to give Australia control of the match.

Ben Stokes and debutant Chris Jordan took eight wickets between them as Stokes claimed 5-61 for the hosts including two wickets in two balls which left Australia at 48 for 3 after 9.5 overs but Watson and Clarke steadied the ship for the tourists.

Shane Watson made his century in 87 balls – including a Joe Root over that he carted for 28 to make it the most expensive ODI over bowled by and English player.

England’s run chase got off to a poor start when Kevin Pietersen was run out for a duck in the first over. The hosts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Only Ravi Bopara – who top scored with 62 – and Jos Buttler offered resistance when they put on 92 for the 6th wicket but they both got out in quick succession.

James Faulkner was Australia’s best performer with the ball as he took 3 for 38 in his nine overs to help Australia to a convincing 49 run victory and a 2-1 victory in the series, giving them their first piece of silverware at the end of a long tour of England which started with the ICC Champions Trophy.