Shane Watson’s eighth international one-day hundred has helped Australia set England 299 to win the final and deciding match in Southampton.
Australia were bowled out for 298 from 49.1 overs, with Watson making 143 from 107 balls.
He became the 14th Australian to make 5000 one-day runs when he reached 124.
Watson smashed 12 fours and six sixes, and when he was batting, a total of more than 350 looked likely.
However, once he was dismissed the innings petered out and the Australian tail all fell cheaply.
Watson and captain Michael Clarke, who made 75, turned the innings around, after Australia had been 3-48, with a stand of 163 from 136 balls for the fourth wicket.
That partnership was a record for the fourth wicket at this ground in a one-day international and when Clarke chipped Chris Jordan to mid-on, Watson carried on the good work.
The Australian pair took a heavy toll on spinner James Tredwell who went for three sixes before Jordan and Boyd Rankin slowed the run rate.
Jordan dismissed Clarke who was caught at mid-on by Kevin Pietersen.
Clarke and Watson helped Australia go from 150 to 200 in just 32 balls, but once the pair were out England managed to regain some control.
Watson, who got to three figures off 87 balls, also hit 26 off one over from Joe Root, including three sixes.
But once he was out, the runs dried up for Australia when they were looking to accelerate in the closing overs.
Ben Stokes had Watson caught behind by Joss Buttler and finished with 5-61 from 10 overs – the best figures at the ground by an Englishman.
Earlier, Aaron Finch started by smashing two fours in the first over from debutant Jordan, but was out first ball after a 29 minute rain break.
The right-hander was caught at backward point by Eoin Morgan off Ben Stokes for 26.
Stokes struck again next ball when Matthew Wade tried to pull a bouncer and gloved a catch to wicket keeper Jos Buttler before Watson and Clarke started their rescue act.
England levelled the series with their three wicket win in Cardiff on Saturday, after Australia’s victory in Manchester.
Games in Leeds and Birmingham were washed out by rain.
The day-night match will decide the series with Australia hoping to end their trip with a flourish after losing the Ashes series 3-0.