Story of the match: England complete whitewash of Australia

Jos Buttler rescued England as they pulled off a one-wicket win from the most improbable of positions to complete their historic 5-0 series win over Australia.

England’s whitewash hopes appeared all washed-up at Old Trafford when they faltered to 114 for eight in pursuit of an under-par 205 all out in the one-day series finale.

But Buttler (110no) – who had already improvised a run-out and stumping in his wicketkeeping role – gave England the last laugh after all in Sunday’s tale of the unexpected.

Tweet of the day

Records on hold

England were hoping for another 263 runs here to better their own world record for the most by any team in a five-match ODI series. Australia’s haphazard innings prevented that, but it was still all smiles at the end for the hosts.

Stat of the day

5-0 – This may have been mentioned before – but after England completed their whitewash in the most thrilling of finishes, the series scoreline bears repeating. For a more niche option, it was the first time Buttler had ever faced 100 balls or more in an ODI innings.

It’s never over …

Until Buttler is gone. England’s big-hitting wicketkeeper has already long been a crowd favourite, of course, all over the world. But after his heroics in front of a sell-out, sun-kissed Old Trafford, his stock has risen yet again. England had no chance – but he would not accept it, and had the skills to sort it out.

What next?