Another whitewash looks certain after England lose again

The misery continues for England’s cricketers Down Under, as Australia confirmed their dominance over Alastair Cook and co when taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ODI series by winning in Sydney with 10 overs to spare.

The tourists were on a hiding to nothing after posting a modest tally of 243-9, which was breezed past for the loss of just three wickets by Michael Clarke’s happy hosts.

England’s struggling attack hit rock bottom, with Stuart Broad – who has been one of the brighter spots on a torrid tour – finding the going particularly tough.

The Nottinghamshire seamer proved the most expensive of England’s bowlers, following up a miserable single-run knock with eight hapless overs which produced 61 runs without a wicket falling.

Captain Cook indicated after the game that he could give up his one-day duties upon returning to Blighty, which cannot have helped confidence within what must be a very deflated camp.

Despite their opponents’ continued travails, Australia can still be backed at 8/11 to emulate their Test series success by winning the ODI equivalent 5-0 and that looks a cracking bet after all we’ve seen from these sides this winter.

Clarke will be desperate to skipper the Baggy Green to another whitewash and the clear animosity between the camps should ensure the likes of David Warner and Brad Haddin keep battering away until the last minute of the last match in Adelaide.

England have shaped like a bunch of strangers desperate to get home and only Eoin Morgan – with his century and two 50+ knocks in three innings so far – looks likely to come out of this limited overs series with any credit.

Australia’s incredible last-gasp, one-wicket win in Brisbane – where England came so close to a morale-boosting triumph – has clearly knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and it’s hard to see them recovering in time to make a positive impression on the rest of the series.