England's Paul Nixon (centre) celebrates with supporters after they won the second one-day international tri-series cricket final and the series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. - REUTERS

SYDNEY (Reuters):

England defeated Australia by 34 runs in a rain-interrupted match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday to win the tri-series one-day international tournament and end their disappointing tour on an unexpected high.

England followed up their thrilling four-wicket win in Melbourne on Friday with a second victory to wrap up the best-of-three finals series with a game to spare and salvage some pride after losing the Ashes 5-0.

"It's been a very tough tour but this is a great way to finish it," England captain Andrew Flintoff told a news conference.

"Obviously, it doesn't make up for the disappointment of the Ashes, but right now the lads are glad to be going home with some silverware and looking ahead to the World Cup."

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting was unable to hide his disappointment after the home side had dominated England all season.

Poor way to finish

"This was a very poor way to finish what has been a tremendous summer for the team and for Australian cricket," Ponting said. "I really don't have any explanation for the way we've played in the last couple of games."

Paul Collingwood continued his golden run of form with the bat with a defiant 70, to help England reach 246 for eight from their 50 overs and to win the Player-of-the-Finals award.

Australia were set a revised total of 211 off 33 overs to win after the match was interrupted by four rain delays, but could only muster 152-8 when the foul weather stopped play a fifth time and England were awarded victory by 34 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis system.

Liam Plunkett produced a superb spell of seam bowling to capture the wickets of Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke as the Australian top-order collapsed on the damp pitch.

Australia had bowled and fielded brilliantly to restrict England to less than 250 but were never in the hunt to win after the foul weather forced them to chase quick runs.