Despite a spot of time-wasting towards the end, the rain arrived three minutes too late to rescue England. Australia were ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations when it came and, with just enough overs bowled to ensure a result, the tourists went on to claim a 3-2 series win and snuff out any debate about the moral victors of this one.
Rebooted before the first game between these sides and then resurgent from 2-0 down, England chiefly had themselves to blame in this decider. They had set off like a train after being inserted, Ben Duckett’s 91-ball 107 and Harry Brook’s electric 72 from 52 giving rise to thoughts of a 400-plus total. Yet they were undone by Travis Head’s handy part‑time spin and skittled for a sub‑par 309 with four balls left unbowled.
