Aussies take tri-series

A career-best performance by much-maligned all-rounder Glenn Maxwell inspired Australia to a crushing win over England in the one-day international tri-series final at the WACA Ground on Sunday.

Maxwell took the highest score of 95 to help Australia recover from a poor start to make 278 for eight, winning by 112 runs.

He then took four wickets and a fine catch as England crumbled in the run chase to be dismissed for just 166 in 39.1 overs.

England, who will face Australia in the World Cup opener later this month, were never in the hunt after returning paceman Mitchell Johnson (3-27) claimed three quick wickets to have them 46 for four.

He made a hattrick after removing Moeen Ali for 26 and then England skipper Eoin Morgan, who was bowled without offering a shot from successive balls.

Maxwell (4-46) also found himself on a hattrick after removing Jos Buttler (17) and the hapless Chris Woakes, who had a match to forget, with successive deliveries.

SCORES IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA: 278 for 8 in 50 overs (Smith 40, Maxwell 95, Marsh 60, Faulkner 50 not out; Anderson 2-38, Broad 3-55)

ENGLAND: 166 all out in 39.1 overs (Ali 26, Root 25, Bopara 33, Buttler 17, Broad 24; Hazlewood 2-13, Johnson 3-27, Maxwell 4-46)

Result: Australia won by 112 runs.
Player-of-the-match: Glenn Maxwell.
Player-of-the-series: Mitchell Starc.