Eoin Morgan hails Jos Buttler and England's series-clinching ODI win over Australia as controversy swirls

Morgan hailed Jos Buttler’s stunning 83-ball ton that launched England’s faltering innings

(Getty)

Eoin Morgan considered England’s 16-run victory the best performance during his captaincy tenure since the reboot of the country’s one-day cricket after the 2015 World Cup, but the match was tainted by Steve Smith's controversial dismissal and allegations of ball-tampering.

It was England’s first bilateral series victory in Australia (at the fourth attempt) and their first in any one-day series here (others have been in tri-series) since 2007.

Morgan, who was captain the last time England played white-ball cricket in Australia during the wretched 2015 World Cup, said: “Australia are a very strong line-up and this series had the potential to exploit some of our weaknesses and cracks within the group.

“I thought we responded exceptionally well to that. With Liam [Plunkett] going down and somebody else had to step up. As a bowling unit and fielding unit, we did give a lot more than we normally do.

“I am so proud of everybody in the team. Liam going down was a bit of a hammer blow but Joe stood up and all the bowlers contributed at different times. It was awesome.”

He paid tribute to Jos Buttler’s stunning 83-ball century that launched England’s faltering innings towards a more than respectable 302 for six.

Morgan said: “To have a guy with his capabilities and talent in our team, we are very privileged. We have seen him do that before but against one of the best sides in the world it is great to watch.”

Buttler’s catch to dismiss Australian captain Steve Smith on 45 was a game-changer and caused consternation among Aussie players and public alike.

The on-field umpires indicated to third umpire Kumar Dharmasena that they thought the one-handed catch was clean but Smith said: “I’m not a big fan of the soft signal rule. It’s hard to overturn anything. If a fielder goes up and celebrates they normally get given out. I’d like the third umpire to make the decision.”

England celebrate Chris Woakes taking the wicket of Marcus Stoinis (Getty)

Smith was not questioning Buttler’s integrity, saying “he’s a pretty honest guy”, just the process.

Buttler himself said: “I was pretty sure it was out and I think any wicketkeeper would tell you when they’ve got their fingers under it. They always look a bit either way on TV but for me it was out.”

Smith’s miserable night was complete when he was forced to deny using lip balm to shine the ball illegally after a video appeared on social media suggesting malpractice.

He said: “My lips are pretty dry. It’s just the way I get some spit into the side of my mouth and get it on to the ball. There’s nothing in it.”