Australia crashed to an eight-wicket defeat and a third straight loss against England to lose the one-day series after a below-par performance with bat and ball in Durham on Saturday.

Australia's woes deepened as all-rounder Shane Watson and veteran fast bowler Brett Lee were both off the field receiving treatment for most of England's innings having picked up calf injuries.

Both players had scans and results were not expected until Sunday, but it was confirmed Watson's injury is a different one to the calf problem that kept him out for much of last summer.

"I haven't had time to speak to Alex (Kountouris) yet, but I do know they've both got calf injuries - to what extent, I don't know," skipper Michael Clarke told reporters afterwards.

The injuries just about summed up another bad day at the office for Australia as England took an unassailable 3-0 lead with one match to play and registered their seventh straight one-day series win at home and their ninth consecutive win in 50-over matches.

Australia were always struggling having posted 9-200 from their 50 overs after being put into bat by England.

David Hussey top scored with 70 as Steven Finn wrecked their top order to finish with 4-37.

Ian Bell (69) and Jonathan Trott (64 not out) helped steer the home team through a comfortable run chase in reply to win with 13 balls to spare.

"Conditions were tough, batting first, there's no doubt about that," Clarke said.

"I thought Dave Hussey was outstanding today, the way he played. But that's the game.

"I do believe England got the better of conditions, but it's easy to make excuses.

"I think we had the better of conditions at Lord's as well, and England still found a way to beat us.

"That's what you have to do, against good opposition - in all different conditions around the world, you've got to find a way to have success. Unfortunately, once again today, we were outplayed."

Australia's bowlers could not get the same movement in the air or off the pitch as England's bowlers had managed earlier.

Only Clint McKay with 2-29 from his ten overs impressed, after James Pattinson and Ben Hilfenhaus were earlier drafted into the team.

England reduced Australia to 2-6 as Finn had David Warner and Peter Forrest lbw in consecutive balls.

Watson played on to Tim Bresnan for 28, George Bailey was bowled by Ravi Bopara for nine and skipper Michael Clarke laboured for 43 in 85 balls.

Hussey's 73-ball innings ensured a competitive and he received useful support late on from Lee, who made 27.

Bell and Cook made might of their modest run chase by putting on 70 for the first wicket, when McKay had Cook caught at cover for 29.

Bell chopped on to his stumps off McKay having looked untroubled throughout his innings.

- AAP