England recorded their worst one-day total in 329 games on their way to a 125-run defeat at Old Trafford.

"We have lost heavily and we were never at the races," said Stewart.

"I am not going to use excuses. The fact is that they bowled well in helpful conditions and we were not up to it."

"It's hugely disappointing. Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie were quite outstanding.

"We are certainly not enjoying this losing streak. We have to try to overcome this poor run of form."

England's ninth consecutive one-day defeat renders the remaining qualifying matches in this tournament largely irrelevant.

But Stewart insisted there was reason for encouragement from some quarters.

"Ben Hollioake's bowling was very good - 10 overs for 30 was very impressive," he said.

"He has grown in stature in each game he has played in this series.

"To keep them to 208 at the close of their innings was a good effort.

"But then you get the first four wickets knocked over early in our innings - and you do not recover from that."

Ashes boost

Stewart's opposite number Steve Waugh defended his old foe's performance.

"I do not think he made any tactical errors out there," said Waugh.

"I thought he captained pretty well - but what can you do when your side gets bowled out for 86?

"He is the captain but he cannot work miracles."

Waugh also admitted that his side would go into the Ashes series boosted by their one-day wins.

"Naturally there will be a by-product if we are winning and England are losing." he said.

"It's hard to know how big an advantage it is, but if you are losing, you probably have a few doubts."