England have suffered defeat in their one-day series with Australia after losing by 72 runs in the second fixture in Sydney.
Less than a week ago, England were celebrating winning the T20 World Cup with many of the players from that triumph having to keep celebrations to a minimum ahead of switching to the 50-over format.
Jos Buttler has made multiple changes for both games, including dropping himself for Saturday's contest, and England have looked several levels below their hosts.
After Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne put on 101 for the third wicket, the Baggy Greens were always in command, the pair contributing 94 and 58 respectively.
Mitchell Marsh also made 50 from 59 balls further down the order with Australia accumulating 280-8 from their 50 overs, Adil Rashid emerging as the pick of the bowlers with 3-57.
Chris Woakes and David Willey also chipped in with 2-42 and 2-44 respectively, but it mattered little as England were reduced to 0-2 after the first five balls.
"I've had to be patient, I haven't exactly had an opportunity over the summer in white ball cricket.
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) November 19, 2022
"[Melbourne] is a huge opportunity for us to stake a claim."
Sam Billings reflects on his performance in Sydney before looking ahead to the final match at the MCG. #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/qBitFHEDFB
Mitchell Starc struck to remove Jason Roy and Dawid Malan, who scored 134 two days ago, for a duck, and only a 122-run partnership for the fourth wicket from James Vince and Sam Billings kept England competitive.
However, 156-3 soon became 168-6, Vince and Billings departing for 60 and 71 respectively, and only Liam Dawson made a notable contribution in the lower order with 20 from 21.
Adam Zampa and Starc posted figures of 4-45 and 4-47 as England were bowled out for 208 after just 38.5 overs, and they now head into Tuesday's encounter in Melbourne playing for just pride.
Darren Plant
