Australia earns consolation T20 win vs England, back to No 1

Australia gained a consolation victory in the final match of its Twenty20 series against England on Tuesday to regain top spot in the format's world rankings at the expense of its fierce rival.

Australia chased down its target of 146 with three balls to spare for a five-wicket victory at the empty Rose Bowl, with Mitch Marsh hitting the winning run to finish unbeaten on 39.

England won the series 2-1 but needed to sweep it to remain top of the T20 rankings.

Jonny Bairstow overcame a slow start to smash a 44-ball 55 containing three fours and three sixes and lead England to 145-6.

The Australians slumped from 70-1 to 100-5, but Marsh and Ashton Agar (16) put on 46 to see them home.

England was missing star batsman Jos Buttler, while Australia rested paceman Pat Cummins and opener David Warner.

Image credits: AP