Watson helps Australia seal ODI series

England fall short by 49 runs in final game as Clarke's team power to 2-1 victory

Shane Watson’s century saw Australia to a 49-run win over England in the fifth one-day international at Southampton as their lengthy tour ended with a 2-1 series victory.

Watson, involved throughout in a trip that saw Australia arrive in Britain in May before their early Champions Trophy exit was followed by a 3-0 Ashes series loss, made 143 in a total of 298 all out on Monday.

Together with Australia captain Michael Clarke (75), he shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 163, on a ground where they’d both played for Hampshire, after their side had slumped to 48 for three in this day/night clash.

Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes led England’s attack with an ODI best five wickets for 61 runs, the 22-year-old all-rounder starring as Australia fell just short of 300.

England debutant Chris Jordan, in for fast bowler Steven Finn (side strain), took three for 47 after his first ball in international cricket was hit for four by Finch, whose last match on the ground saw him score a Twenty20 world record 156 against England last month.

But Australia had more than enough runs as they enjoyed a win over England ahead of the return Ashes series Down Under starting in November.

England’s reply got off to a disastrous start when Kevin Pietersen was run out for nought after being slow to answer Michael Carberry’s call.

Carberry, on his home ground, made 30 before he was lbw to left-arm seamer James Faulkner (three for 38).

And it wasn’t long before 50 for two became 68 for four as Joe Root (13) and Luke Wright (nought) came and went.

Morgan fell for 30 when stumped by Matthew Wade off spinner Adam Voges.

England’s hopes now rested with Ravi Bopara and Jos Buttler, whose 65 not out saw them to a series-levelling three-wicket win in Cardiff on Saturday.

Buttler scored at better than a run-a-ball but Faulkner, cleverly changing to around the wicket, bowled him for 42 to end a stand of 92 with Bopara.

And when Bopara, who made 66, followed when well caught at extra-cover by Voges off Johnson to give the left-arm fast bowler his 200th ODI wicket, England were down and out at 197 for seven.

Pakistan-born leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed finished the match by bowling last man Rankin with two overs left.