Jos Buttler struck a magnificent century as England set Australia 303 to save the one-day series in Sydney.

Buttler, who came to the crease with the score at 107 for four and England struggling to get going, piled on 100 not out in 83 deliveries as he and Chris Woakes shared a transformative 113-run stand.

There were six fours and four sixes in Buttler’s thrilling effort, with Woakes an inspired accomplice scoring 53no in just 36 balls.

Australia, having won the toss, controlled the first half of the innings with tidy bowling and smart fielding but had no response to the late onslaught as England reached 302 for six.

Having already won in Melbourne and Sydney, England can wrap up the series if they can successfully defend their total.

The day began with a guest appearance from rugby league star Sam Burgess, who presented Joe Root with his 100th ODI cap.