The Australian cricketers have wrapped up their one day international series in England winning the deciding match at Old Trafford by eight wickets to take the series 3-2.
Mitchell Starc celebrating a wicket. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The result had looked inevitable long before lunch, with England dismissed for just 138 and captain Eoin Morgan retiring hurt after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Australia's Mitchell Starc in the seventh over.
Fielders rushed to Morgan's aid after he was struck on the back of the head, and the captain was treated for concussion and replaced by Jonny Bairstow.
Starc was visibly shaken by the incident.
"It was a nasty knock and I really hope his health and well-being is OK," said Steve Smith after his first series win as full-time Australia captain.
"This team's been through a few tough things, none more than last summer and you never want to see anything like that happen out on the cricket field.
"It was a tough couple of moments but I thought the boys put in a really good effort today."
Taylor said Morgan was groggy and being treated for concussion.
Last November, Australian international Phillip Hughes died two days after being struck on the head by a ball while he was batting in a first-class state match in Sydney.
"The way Morgy had to depart was unfortunate and I think that probably cost us," said Taylor.
Both England's openers fell for four, Jason Roy given out lbw to Starc, although had he gone to the third umpire he may well have been reprieved. Alex Hales went shortly after, slicing a John Hastings delivery to point.
Only Ben Stokes offered any real resilience but when he was lbw to Mitchell Marsh for 42, leaving England on 85-7, the hosts were already staring at a crushing defeat.
England's innings lasted just 33 overs, and Australia cruised to victory inside 25 overs.
- Reuters
