Rain put a stop to the fifth England-Australia ODI four balls after the cut-off for a result to be reached under the DLS method, giving the tourists a 3-2 series win.
Australia had to contend not just with the England bowling attack, but also with the approaching rain, which threatened to disrupt the final ODI throughout the day. It had looked earlier in the week as if a complete washout was on the cards, and then as if the game would be interrupted before the required 20 overs had been bowled in the second innings to allow a result to be reached. But the forecast improved just enough for Australia to claim victory by 49 runs.
This was despite a lack of urgency from both England and the match officials at times. There was a degree of exasperation in the commentary box as a drinks break was taken after 17 overs, with the rain clouds gathering. England then reverted to pace, despite leg-spinner Adil Rashid looking threatening, in a perceived attempt to slow the over-rate.
Matters became more farcical in the first over after the drinks break, with seamer Matthew Potts taking off his shoe and sock mid-over, calling for a replacement boot, and eating into the remaining time. England’s efforts were variously described as “embarrassing” and “feeble” by the English press pack. They also ended in vain.
