If this ODI seemed a match too far, in a series too many, a month too late, then no one told the Headingley faithful. They squashed on to trains to Burley Park and into the ungainly stands, a sell-out crowd roasting in the unexpected September heat of the open seats of the Western Terrace and cheering England to the rooftops – alongside the pantomime if dated booing of Steve Smith and Alex Carey. At least for the first few hours.

With stoical enthusiasm, most then stayed as the game swung, to watch England’s innings, a start-stop affair in light that faded alongside their chances, as an inexperienced 50-over side slumped to a comprehensive 68-run defeat. They go 2-0 down in the five-match series.

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