Michael Clarke desperate for a win after Australia loses one-day series to England

AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke had said that it would be disappointing to leave England without a win as the rivals have clinched the five-match one-day series with a 3-0 lead after Wednesday's clash at Edgbaston was washed out without a ball bowled.

Now just the finale at Old Trafford on Tuesday remains for Australia, the world's number one ranked 50-over side, to restore a measure of pride before they return to England for a full Ashes Test series next year.

England, admittedly after winning a helpful toss, restricted Australia to 200 for nine in their 50 overs here on Sunday, with fast bowler Steven Finn taking four for 37.

In reply, England eased to 201 for two with 13 balls to spare as they won their ninth one-day international in a row. Ian Bell made a stylish 69 and his Warwickshire colleague Jonathan Trott finished on 64 not.


To make matters worse for Australia both fast bowler Brett Lee and all-rounder Shane Watson left the field early with suspected calf problems.

“We've been outplayed - simple as that,” said Clarke, becalmed while taking 85 balls to make 43 runs on Sunday.

“But we've got one game to go, and I'd be very disappointed to go home without a win - that's for sure.”

Reflecting on the match, he added: “I do believe England got the better of conditions, but it's easy to make excuses.

“I think we had the better of conditions at Lord's as well, and England still found a way to beat us.”