Australia's batting was clearly found wanting in the previous series and they had lost matches from seemingly comfortable situations, as was seen in Durham and Lord's.

He was dubbed a "smug, pommie cheat" by sections of the media and with coach Darren Lehman's unsavory comments, things were even more interesting.

England's fast-bowling trio of Chris Tremlett, Boyd Rankin and Steven Finn struggled for line and length on the WACA wicket and Chairman's XI declared at 5/451.

They passed the total easily as Cook, Trott, Kevin Pietersen and Root all made half-centuries, despite James Muirhead's four wickets.

[20] After losing the first test at The Gabba, the England side headed to Traeger Park in Alice Springs for a two-day game against the Cricket Australia Chairman's XI.

A 163 run-partnership between David Warner and Aaron Finch, during which the latter became the first Victorian to score an ODI hundred at the MCG, helped Australia cruise to a six-wicket win with 26 balls to spare.

Eoin Morgan was the only batsman to pass 50 for the tourists, his innings cut short by a return catch by Dan Christian amid some controversy.

Although no Australian batsman made a hundred, fifties to David Warner and Shaun Marsh meant Australia finished with a seven-wicket victory to take an unassailable 3–0 lead in the series.

Cook, Root and Morgan all scored well to take England close, but Ravi Bopara was unable to bring the team to victory, falling victim to an odd stumping by Matthew Wade, as the Australians won the game and the series.

England lost wickets frequently and a quick-fire 65 from Ravi Bopara wasn't enough to prevent Australia from winning the game by 13 runs.

[37] Good bowling from Josh Hazlewood and defensive fielding meant England could only reach 130, thanks in part to Jos Buttler, who top-scored with just 22.

Cameron White again put on a show with 58 and Australia's captain George Bailey hit 60 to ensure the target was reached in less than 15 overs.