England have stumbled their way to a chance to gain some much-needed confidence against Australia before their World Cup opener at the MCG on February 14.

Their three-wicket victory over India saw them through to today's final of the tri-series tournament against the unbeaten Australians at the same venue.

Coincidentally, the Australians have won both matches in this series against England by that same three-wicket margin.

England have lost six of their past seven ODIs against Australia, including two games in this series.

Australia are likely to rest Shane Watson for the final game today, with Mitchell Johnson coming back into the side after taking time off since Boxing day last year. He will pair Mitchell Marsh, who is on a hot streak with 10 wickets in his first two tri-series matches.