England win series, break records with thumping 242-run win against Australia

FT ONLINE

England extended their own record in one-day international cricket by 37 runs after smashing the highest-ever total of 481-6 as they beat Australia by 242 runs in the third ODI on Tuesday.

Australia was bowled out for 239 with 13 overs to spare — their biggest ever ODI defeat in terms of runs, and England’s biggest win.

England have an unsurmountable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

No. 3 Alex Hales hit 16 fours and five sixes in reaching 147 off 92 balls, and opener Jonny Bairstow scored 139 — also off 92 deliveries — in his fourth ODI century in the last six games.

England also held the previous innings record when they scored 444-3 against Pakistan in 2016 at the same Trent Bridge ground.

Australia, who won the toss and chose to field, never looked like reaching the huge target as spinners Adil Rashid (4-47) and Moeen Ali (3-28) shared seven wickets between them. AP