Andrew Strauss delighted to end England losing streak

(GETTY IMAGES)

England skipper Andrew Strauss admitted it felt "very good" to beat Australia on their national day and remain alive in the one-day international series following a 21-run win in Adelaide.

Jonathan Trott produced an unlikely all-round performance to form the cornerstone of the success, hitting his second one-day century before claiming his first two wickets in the 50-over format at a crucial stage of Australia's chase.

It silenced a near-capacity 34,192 crowd at the Adelaide Oval who had been hoping to celebrate Australia Day by clinching the seven-game series.

Strauss cheekily admitted afterwards that denying Australia on their landmark day had made the success even sweeter after drawing a blank in their first three matches.

"It feels very good actually, especially after being 3-0 down in the series," he said.

"It was a must-win game for us. We came here determined to play well and we're delighted to have won.

"It was a far better performance all round compared to the first three games."

Trott played with typical composure to score 102 and build on Matt Prior's quickfire 67 from 58 balls at the top of the order.

With added late hitting from Paul Collingwood (27), who became the first England batsman to reach 5,000 one-day runs and Michael Yardy (39 not out), England posted 299 for eight.

"Anytime someone gets 100 you're in the game and most times you win, so it was an outstanding innings from him," Strauss added.

"I thought Matt Prior gave us real impetus at the top and I think he showed everyone what he can do at the top of the order. It was a useful innings for us.

"There were probably a few too many soft dismissals again, but 299 is always going to be a competitive total at Adelaide."

Australia were always battling the required rate in reply after losing early wickets, with out-of-sorts skipper Michael Clarke again struggling with an unconvincing 15 from 27 balls.

Cameron White (44) and David Hussey (28) tried to gather the innings for a late assault as they put on 60 for the fifth wicket, but Trott removed both with his self-confessed "bits-and-pieces bowling" to effectively snuff out Australia's hopes.

"Obviously I'm in the team to get 100s. I was very happy to do that and set up a very good total," he said.

"But when called upon to bowl it is always nice to contribute as well.

"I know how cricket can be, it can be a nice game and it can be a horrible game sometimes.

"I've had a chat with (bowling coach) David Saker and we're going to work hard at that.

"If I could bowl like Colly has in this tour then definitely I can help the side."

Trott praised Prior's heavy hitting at the top of the order, after the wicketkeeper-batsman had been under some scrutiny following back-to-back ducks since his surprise World Cup call, for allowing him to construct his innings, which included six boundaries from 126 balls, at his own metronomic pace.

"With the way Matt Prior was going, for me it was just knocking it around and picking up the odd boundary when it came around - he always made it easier for me" he said.

"When we lost the three wickets it was important that we didn't have what happened in Sydney with a progression of wickets.

"It was important that I hung around.

"I was a little bit disappointed to get out in the manner I did towards the end with the powerplay looming.

"That's something to work on for future games with batting and setting totals or chasing them."

Clarke admitted his side had been left with too much to chase after a poor display in the field.

Brett Lee has enjoyed a good series on his return to the team, but after removing Strauss early he proved expensive conceding one for 68 from eight overs.

"It was probably a few too many runs," Clarke said.

"I don't think we started very well with the ball and weren't at our best in the field, either.

"As I've said before we have work to do in all areas of our game.

"We get up tomorrow and try and become better. I still thought we did pretty well to get as close as we did."

The series will now head to Brisbane with Sunday's game set to act as a fund-raiser for the flood victims in the city and its surrounding districts.

Clarke said the game would therefore take on extra significance as his side aimed to wrap up the series at the second time of asking.

"It's a big game for us for a lot of reasons. With the support for the flood victims and the money we are going to try and raise," he said.

"I know all the guys will be feeling a bit emotional so it's a pretty special day for us and we'd love to come out and win the series there."