Jan 23, 2003
VB Series first final, Sydney
England completely outclassed by a fiery Brett Lee spell. Bowled out for 117, lost by 10 wickets.
Jan 25, 2003
VB Series Second Final, Melbourne
Brilliant bowling by Andy Caddick restricted Australia to 229, and Alec Stewart and Michael Vaughan almost won it with the bat — till Lee struck again. England lost by five runs.
Mar 2, 2003
World Cup league game, Port Elizabeth
Again, England came close. Australia, chasing 205, were eight down for 135, mainly to another demolition job by Caddick, when Michael Bevan and Andy Bichel spoiled the party. Australia won by 2 wickets
September 21, 2004
ICC Champions Trophy, semifinal, Birmingham
Finally, England made it. Marcus Treskothick, Andrew Strauss, and Vaughan batted brilliantly to chase 260 comfortably, against a full strength Aussie attack, winning with 21 balls to spare.
June 19, 2005
Natwest Trophy league match, Bristol
A similar tale at Bristol. England restricted Australia to 252, and then when a similar Australian attack thought it had it under control, Kevin Pietersen got stuck in to them. They were home with 15 balls still to go.