Two wickets each from James Tredwell and Ravi Bopara helped restrict Australia to 145-7 in the rain-affected one-day international series finale at Old Trafford.
Heavy rain and subsequently wet conditions delayed the start of the match, which was reduced to 32 overs when play eventually began with Australia batting at 5.30pm.
Opening pair Matthew Wade and David Warner made a solid start to the innings, with the latter crashing a run-a-ball 32 which included five boundaries.
However, Tredwell, who was selected in place of Tim Bresnan, dismissed both of them before Peter Forrest and Michael Clarke were run out in quick succession.
Steven Smith and David Hussey fell to Bopara for 21 and 9 respectively to leave the tourists struggling at 86-6.
An unbeaten 46 from George Bailey helped Australia up to 145 as they look to end the series with a win having lost three of the opening four matches.
