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Finally, it is over. An absorbing Ashes summer ended with as much of a whimper as the Australian Test team, as Shane Watson helped the Baggy Greens to claim a series victory in what felt like an unremitting ODI series in England.
Watson's mighty 143 proved too much for England in a 49-run win at the Ageas Bowl, and gave Australia some consolation silverware at last this summer.
Michael Clarke's team comfortably defended 298 all out under lights to take the NatWest Series 2-1 and perhaps soothe their Ashes and Champions Trophy disappointments on the long flight home.
Watson ended a fraught summer fruitfully
They will be able to re-engage hostilities in the Ashes rematch in Brisbane with a notable win behind them, albeit not the one most coveted by themselves.
England's attempt at a ground-record run chase featured another costly run-out via another mix-up between openers Michael Carberry and Kevin Pietersen.
Australia win ODI series
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(01 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: A general view of the stadium during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(02 of33)
England's Kevin Pietersen is run-out by Australia's Phil Hughes for 0 runs during the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(03 of33)
England's Kevin Pietersen is run-out by Australia's Phil Hughes for 0 runs during the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(04 of33)
England's Kevin Pietersen is run-out by Australia's Phil Hughes for 0 runs during the fifth one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(05 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke of Australia celebrates with the series trophy after Australia win NatWest Series at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(06 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke of Australia celebrates with the series trophy after Australia win NatWest Series at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(07 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(08 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(09 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke of Australia celebrates with the series trophy and team mates after the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(10 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Ravi Bopara of England walks off after being dismissed during the 5th NatWest Series one day international at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(11 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Joe Root of England bowls a delivery during the 5th NatWest Series one day international at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(12 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Joe Root of England is clean bowled by Mitchell Johnson of Australia during th 5th NatWest Series one day international at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(13 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: James Faulkner of Australia celebrates the wicket of Jos Buttler of England during the 5th NatWest Series one day international at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(14 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Ravi Bopara of England in action during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(15 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Shane Watson of Australia bowls during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(16 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(17 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke of Australia celebrates with the series trophy and team mates after the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(18 of33)
England's Ravi Bopara (C) plays a shot during the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(19 of33)
England's Jos Buttler avoids being run-out by Australia's George Bailey (R) during the fifth One Day I nternational (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. England are chasing Australia's innings score of all out for 298 runs. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(20 of33)
England's Ben Stokes bats during the fifth one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013.England are chasing Australia's innings score of all out for 298 runs. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(21 of33)
The Australian team celebrate with the trophy after winning the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century saw Australia to a 49-run win over England in the fifth one-day international at Southampton as their lengthy tour ended with a 2-1 series victory. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(22 of33)
The Australian team celebrate with the trophy after winning the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century saw Australia to a 49-run win over England in the fifth one-day international at Southampton as their lengthy tour ended with a 2-1 series victory. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(23 of33)
The Australian team celebrate with the trophy after winning the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century saw Australia to a 49-run win over England in the fifth one-day international at Southampton as their lengthy tour ended with a 2-1 series victory. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(24 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(25 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Australia celebrate after winning the series after the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(26 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Australia celebrate after winning the series after the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(27 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Australia celebrate after winning the series after the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Austalia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(28 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(29 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Clarke the captain of Australia and team celebrate their sides 2-1 series victory during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(30 of33)
The Australian team celebrate with the trophy after winning the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century saw Australia to a 49-run win over England in the fifth one-day international at Southampton as their lengthy tour ended with a 2-1 series victory. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(31 of33)
England's Joe Root is bowled by Australia's Mitchell Johnson for 21 runs during the fifth one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
CRICKET-ENG-AUS-ODI(32 of33)
England's Joe Root is bowled by Australia's Mitchell Johnson for 21 runs during the fifth One Day International (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 16, 2013. Shane Watson's century was the cornerstone of Australia's 298 all out against England in the day/night fifth one-day international at Southampton. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
England v Australia: 5th NatWest Series ODI(33 of33)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Boyd Rankin of England is bowled by Fawad Ahmed as wicketkeeper Matthew Wade of Australia Australia during the 5th NatWest Series ODI between England and Australia at the Ageas Bowl on September 16, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
This time, unlike in the rain-wrecked match at Edgbaston last week, Pietersen was the fall guy - and then despite a 92-run stand between Ravi Bopara (62) and Jos Buttler, England could not get competitive on the way to 249 all out in 48 overs.