Shane Watson hit 143 as Australia were bowled out for 298 by England in the fifth and deciding one-day international at the Rose Bowl on Monday. Captain Michael Clarke added 75 in a 163-run partnership with Watson for the fourth wicket, leaving England a tough target to clinch the series 2-1. Ben Stokes took 5-61 and Chris Jordan claimed three wickets for England, which lost the toss.
Two of the first four ODIs in the series were abandoned because of rain. It’s the final match of the Australia tour, having already lost the Ashes earlier this summer. After three quick wickets Australia ensured they not only kept their wicket intact but also did that in a brisk way. Watson reached his eighth one-day hundred from 87 balls in a muscular display of hitting and later latched on to Joe Root’s sixth over, which cost 28 including three, massive leg-side sixes.
He was threatening his best score against England - an unbeaten 161 at the MCG in 2011 - but edged behind to give Stokes his fourth wicket. At 30 overs, Australia were 202 for 3 and a total well above 350 was on the cards, the previous 10 overs having brought 93 runs. Clarke had opted to take the batting Powerplay in the 29th but did not see out the restrictions when he clubbed to mid-off against Jordan five balls after being dropped in the same position by Rankin, although it was a chance that travelled at a rate of knots.
England chipped away during the next 10 overs; George Bailey dragged his back foot out of the crease, Adam Voges edged Stokes behind and Bopara’s last three overs cost just nine. Watson looked set to give the innings a powerful finish but, although he couldn’t continue his plunder to the end and the innings plodded tamely to a close. England lost Kevin Pietersen for nought when he ran himself out. The hosts were 9/1 after 3 overs.