Steve Smith says Australia got it spot-on with the new ball in the ODI decider
Sunday 13 September 2015 17:00, UK
Australia captain Steve Smith felt early wickets were the key in their decisive eight-wicket win over England in the fifth one-day international at Old Trafford.
Victory in the decider meant Australia took the series 3-2 and Smith said it was a welcome boost at the end of a long tour in which the Aussies ceded the Ashes and were pegged back to 2-2 in the one-dayers, having led 2-0.
After choosing to bat, England were dismissed for just 138, as the Australian seamers enjoyed a fine day, and Aaron Finch then made 70 not out as the tourists cruised to victory.
"It's been a tough couple of months for us," said Smith. "England were great during the Ashes, and the same in the one-day series, they kept coming back at us.
"We haven't done that well in the series with the new ball but we were spot-on today. With the early start, it was probably a good toss to lose.
"We have some good fast bowlers and it was pleasing for me that we could win this series with a lack of experienced players.
"I am looking forward to a bit of time at home as this has been a long tour. Bangladesh will be a tough tour, but looking forward to the challenge."
England captain Eoin Morgan had to retire hurt after taking a blow on the head from Mitchell Starc and the Australia team were very concerned about his well-being.
Smith added: "It was satisfying to end with a win and the boys played some good cricket but I must say I have a lot of concern for Eoin at the moment, as it was a nasty knock. I really hope his health and well-being are okay."
The incident brought back memories of the tragic death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes in Sydney last year and Smith added: "This team has been through a few tough things, none more so than last summer, and you don't want to see anything like that happen on a cricket field. It was a tough couple of moments."
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has had a good couple of weeks and he was named man of the match and man of the series after taking 4-27 as England slumped from 56-3 to 85-7.
"My bowling is something I have worked on and it's nice to give something to the team with the ball," said Marsh.
"I want to keep improving both facets of my game, as well as to keep contributing to the team. I have learnt heaps on this tour and to win this series has been great."
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was pleased with the series win, particularly in view of the fact that the starting XI at Old Trafford was very different to the World Cup-winning team from earlier in the year.
"We lost two thirds of our World Cup side and the young guys played really well," said Lehmann.
"We are pretty good at winning when it matters, unless it's the Test series this summer!
"I have learnt that the young lads have what it takes. We are all pretty tired now, it's been a great series, and we're ready to go home."
