England paceman James Anderson admitted he struggled during an immaculate bowling spell that yielded the most economical figures against Australia in one-day internationals.

The opening bowler recorded figures of one for 12, the best for an Englishman since Ian Botham returned 2-12 against Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup.

His big-hearted showing was not enough to prevent an Aussie victory, but it helped England gain the bonus point they needed to secure passage to the finals.

"I am a bit tired and a bit dizzy and felt a bit ill towards the end of my spell," he said after bowling 10 overs on the trot in the searing heat of South Australia.

Gilchrist thinks Australia have the edge

"I have been really happy with the way I have been bowling throughout the whole series."

Captain Nasser Hussain praised the 20-year-old.

"For a young lad to come in against that sort of batting line-up and bowl five maidens in a row was brilliant," he said.

"I just hope his body stays fit because he has a bright future.

"We are all a bit tired, but every game now is a big game because the World Cup is coming up."

Australia captain Adam Gilchrist said he was not concerned about failing to beat England inside 40 overs.

It is a comfort for us that we have beaten England in four games in this series Adam Gilchrist

Australia were reduced to a crawl by some accurate bowling after losing two early wickets.

"The first thing I wanted to do was make sure we won the game," he said.

"If we had got off to a good start we could start to think about winning inside 40 overs, but it didn't happen.

"Andrew Caddick and Anderson bowled immaculate spells and exploited the conditions."

England now play Australia in the best-of-three finals.

"It is a comfort for us that we have beaten England in four games in this series. That is a nice psychological advantage to have," Gilchrist added.