Nottinghamshire's Alex Hales scored a man of the match award worthy 94 of England's 195-5 in the second T20 International at Chester-le-Street, before their bowlers restricted them to 168-9 from their 20 overs.
Hales opened alongside fellow Notts man Michael Lumb, and his explosive 94, including 11 fours and two maximums from the 64 deliveries faced, broke the back of the Australian attack before he was taken by a tumbling David Warner just shy of his century.
The Australian reply came up against disciplined and aggressive bowling from England, Jade Dernbach the pick, taking 3-23 from his allocation, while captain and Notts bowler Stuart Broad ended his three overs with 1-27.
"After losing the toss, the guys adapted to the conditions really well - to get 60 off six without losing a wicket was excellent," said Broad.
"It was great to keep wickets in hand as we can set a good platform.
"To get near 200 in two innings was exceptional, we still need to nail our skills with the ball but we've plaed on a couple of good wickets here."
Alex Hales has also been awarded an ECB Incremental Contract in light of his ten appearances for England's T20 side.