Australia v England

At Melbourne, January 25, 2003 (day/night). Australia won by five runs. Toss: Australia.

It was almost the great comeback: after 12 straight one-day losses against Australia, including that thrashing two days earlier, England came within six runs of victory. Lee once again wrecked their hopes. Beginning the 48th over with 14 needed and four wickets standing, he fired out Flintoff and Blackwell; when he returned to bowl the last, six were required, but Collingwood was stranded at the non-striker's end, and Caddick was promptly castled by a yorker. The last man, Anderson, never had a hope against one of the world's finest fast bowlers. A desperate scramble to get off strike ended in a run-out, closing England's tour on an appropriately disappointing note. Earlier, Hogg's perseverance and neat improvisations had helped Australia score nine an over in the late stages: from 148 for six (effectively seven, after Bevan tore a groin muscle) they reached a defensible 229. It looked plenty when Lee removed England's openers for the second time running and, when Hussain was fourth out at 88, it seemed another Australian walkover was unfolding. But Vaughan gave the middle order solidity, and Stewart added a sprinkling of crisp strokes. In the end, Lee emerged triumphant - though it was Warne, in what he said would be his last one-day international at his MCG home, who was chaired from the field.

Man of the Match: B. Lee. Man of the Series: B. Lee.