Sports Desk
Southampton: Australia avoided a series whitewash as they survived a mid-innings wobble to beat England by five wickets in the third T20I of the series and regain their top-ranking in the cricket’s shortest format on Tuesday.
England were restricted to 145 for 6 at the Rose Bowl as they appeared to be cruising as they reached 70-1 off seven overs before three wickets for inspired spinner Adil Rashid slammed the brakes on their progress.
But England’s fielding was ragged and they spilled several catches before Mitchell Marsh plundered 13 off paceman Mark Wood’s final over to ease Australian nerves and put them firmly back in the driving seat.
In the end, it was reasonably comfortable for Australia with Marsh striking the winning single off Chris Jordan with three balls remaining to finish unbeaten on 39.
Earlier Jonny Bairstow top-scored for England with 55 in 44 balls. England won the series 2-1 and will now face Australia in three ODIs at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting on Friday.
Australia had slipped to second in the ICC’s T20 rankings after falling 2-0 down in the series.
England, captained by Moeen Ali for the first time with Eoin Morgan having a night off, labored early on after Josh Hazlewood had Tom Banton caught behind in the second over.
Moeen Ali captained England for the first time with Eoin Morgan was rested after a finger injury. Josh Hazlewood replacing Pat Cummins had Tom Banton caught behind in the second over.
Bairstow initially struggled to middle anything and England were 33-1 after the powerplay overs. Dawid Malan and Bairstow broke the shackles before Malan was out for 21, Marcus Stoinis taking a good catch at deep mid-wicket off-spinner Adam Zampa.
