Curran five-for secures thrilling England win

Paceman Tom Curran claimed a career-best five for 35 to derail Australia's chase in the inaugural match at Perth's new stadium and help England win the fifth and final one-dayer by 12 runs Sunday. England squandered a strong start and were all out for 259 inside 48 overs. Curran then came up with a lethal spell of reverse swing to help England bowl out Australia for 247 and complete their 4-1 series victory after failing to win a single Test match in the preceding Ashes series. England openers Jason Roy (49) and Jonny Bairstow (44) capitalised on the fast outfield, putting on a 71-run opening stand in quick time.

ENGLAND WIN BY 12 RUNS! Tom Curran bowls Tim Paine to complete his five-wicket haul as England win the series 4-1 https://t.co/LScOIHRYDs pic.twitter.com/z4L9EY4fB7

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 28, 2018

The middle- and lower-orders failed to make an impact though, as Andrew Tye (5-46) and fellow paceman Mitchell Marsh (2-24) restricted the tourist. Man-of-the-series Joe Root ensured his team reached a defendable total with a determined 62. Marcus Stoinis anchored Australia’s reply with a fluent 87 but it was otherwise a disappointing batting performance by the world champion.

He’s got star quality that Tom Curran. Well bowled.

— simon hughes (@theanalyst) January 28, 2018

Glenn Maxwell and Tim Paine both scored 34 but it was not enough in the end and Australia collapsed in the penultimate over. Curran and spinner Moeen Ali (3-55) were England’s chief destroyer, ensuring that Australia’s first win at Perth Stadium will have to wait at least another season. The dazzling $1.3bn Colosseum-like stadium is now Western Australia’s premier sporting venue for cricket and Australian Rules football, taking over from both the WACA Ground and Subiaco Oval.BRIEF SCOREAustralia 247 in 48.2 overs (Stoinis 87, Curran 5/35) lost to England 259 in 47.4 overs (Root 62, Tye 5/46) by 12 runs