Steve Smith called for an improvement from his batsmen after Australia were beaten by 93 runs in the third one-day international against England.
Victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday would have given the Aussies an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, but once Smith was second man out, they never looked likely to chase down a 301 target in difficult batting conditions.
The extent of their collapse was a concern for Smith, though, as they were bowled out for 207 having completely failed to get to grips with England spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali.
The duo's combined figures were 5-73 from 20 overs, and Smith told Sky Sports: "The middle overs cost us.
"Their spinners bowled well and we're going to have to find ways to adapt in the middle overs, to get off strike and make sure we've got enough in the shed at the end."
There were positives for Smith in the performances of ODI debutant Ashton Agar, who took 1-45 from nine overs of slow left-arm, and returning batsman Aaron Finch.
The opener has struggled for fitness and form this season but played fluently for his 53, and Smith said: "He played some beautiful shots down the ground - he's a quality player and it's good to have him back."
On Agar, he said: "I thought he bowled quite nicely on debut. He probably could have had a few more wickets - we were a bit sloppy there - but he did really well."
The series now moves to Headingley on Friday for an all-day game, and the skipper said: "We're obviously in a good position - 2-1 up - and hopefully we can come out and play a better game there."
Watch the fourth ODI live on Sky Sports 2 from 10am on Friday.