Monday 22 January 2018 09:59, UK
Eoin Morgan believes England's 16-run victory over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground was their "best win as a group to date".
The 31-year-old - who was appointed ODI captain in 2015 - feels his side showed character by successfully defending 302 on a slow pitch, having lost Liam Plunkett early in the hosts' reply to a hamstring injury.
The win means England now have an unassailable 3-0 series victory, and Morgan heaped praise on Jos Butler, who scored 100 not out off 86 balls.
"It is probably our best win as a group to date. The amount of character we showed until the end was awesome," said Morgan.
"Jos was probably the difference between the two sides, certainly with the bat. On a two-paced wicket, he paced it to perfection, played the anchor until about five or six overs out.
"It was a hammer blow to lose Plunkett, but Joe Root stepped-up to cover Liam's overs, and the guys at the end were awesome. We are now targeting two more wins and will play our strongest team."
Butler, England's ODI vice-captain, registered his fifth century in limited-overs cricket to help his side claim their eighth win in nine games in the white-ball format.
The wicket-keeper, who has not played a Test match since December 2016, reiterated that the victory was one of the most satisfying he had been involved in, given the challenges the side faced at the SCG.
"This was very special," said Butler
"It was the best win we have ever had. The way we were challenged and to come through was very satisfying.
"We have championed this way of playing, and it is very important that we continue to do so even when we are losing wickets.
"Personally performing in Australia against Cummins, Starc and Hazelwood is very satisfying."
