England v Australia T20I series ends all square after washout

Australia and England have drawn their three-match T20I series, with bad weather ruining what would have been a thrilling finale on Sunday in Manchester.

With the ledger level at 1-1, rain meant that no play took place and both sides had to settle for a drawn series.

Cricket bookmakers had Australia as -151.52 favourites to win the match and claim the series 2-1, with England at +120.

Despite the anti-climactic outcome, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh is pleased with his team’s performances over the last fortnight, having swept Scotland 3-0 ahead of their England series.

“Would have been nice to finish off with deciding match today but thought both teams played some really good cricket throughout, and we move onto the one-day series,” he said on Sunday in Manchester.

“We started in Scotland as a T20 group and knew young guys would get an opportunity throughout.

“Thought we gave guys different roles in all five games we had and it’s been really pleasing.”

Over their past five T20Is, Australia have had several players stand up and contribute.

Jack Fraser-McGurk made his maiden T20I half-century in the most recent match against England, while Travis Head blasted 59 in the opening clash to go with the blistering 80 he made against Scotland.

Josh Inglis also chipped in, making a century against Scotland, and Cameron Green added a quickfire 62 not out in the Scottish series too.

With the ball, Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Matthew Short and Green all had strong performances too, each taking three or more wickets on separate occasions.

English captain Phil Salt is also happy with how his side is shaping up ahead of this week’s ODI series starting against Australia.

“Very proud,” he said.

“As a team, when you lose the first one you are always under pressure.

“The messaging to the boys was when we get pushed back we come back hard.

“That’s what we did through that partnership in Cardiff with Livi (Liam Livingston) and Beth (Jacob Bethell).

“So really pleased with the way we responded but just disappointed we couldn’t get on today.”

England will be underdogs heading into the first of five ODIs on Thursday.

Top sports bookmakers put them at +140 to win, while the visitors are favoured at -175.44.

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