Chester-le-Street, England – England thrashed Australia by eight wickets to win the fourth one-day international here on Saturday and so take a series-winning 3-0 lead in this five-match campaign.
England, set 201 for victory, finished on 201/2 with Jonathan Trott 64 not out after sharing a second-wicket stand of 66 with Warwickshire colleague Ian Bell (69).
Ravi Bopara was 33 not out after adding an unbroken 65 with Trott.
Earlier Australia, made 200/9 after losing the toss.
Fast bowler Steven Finn led England's attack with four for 37.
The tourists were indebted to David Hussey's 70 for helping them recover from 96/6.
England had to win this series 5-0 to replace Australia at the top of the one-day international rankings this campaign but rain put paid to their hopes when Wednesday's third match at Edgbaston was washed out without a ball bowled.
This series concludes at Manchester's Old Trafford ground on Tuesday.
BRIEF SCORES
Australia 200-9, 50 overs (D Hussey 70; S Finn 4-37)
England 201-2, 47.5 overs (I Bell 69, J Trott 64 no)
Result: England won by eight wickets
Series: England lead five-match series 3-0 – Sapa-AFP