Steve Smith and Alex Carey half-centuries put Australia in strong position

Alex Carey’s unbeaten half-century piled the pressure on England as Australia surged to 304 for seven as they looked to wrap up the Metro Bank ODI series with a third straight win.

Carey, whose form fell off a cliff after his role in last summer’s controversial Ashes run out of Jonny Bairstow, followed his decisive knock of 74 last time out with a transformative 77 not out at Chester-le-Street.

England, who have lost 10 of their last 14 ODIs dating back to last year’s miserable World Cup campaign, appeared to be holding their own when they had the tourists at 200 for five off 40 overs but failed to finish the job.

Perhaps lacking an extra seam option they found their resources stretched as they leaked 104 off the last 10 overs and 55 off the final four.

Steve Smith had earlier anchored the first half of the innings with 60, but it was Carey’s 65-ball salvo that took the game away from England.

Brydon Carse had earlier been the pick of the home attack, underserved by figures of one for 55.