In their last competitive match before the World Cup, England suffered a comprehensive 112-run defeat against Australia in the Tri-Series final in Perth.
A destructive return from Mitchell Johnson, who bullied England in last winter's Ashes, saw the left arm pace man dish out similar punishment on his first appearance of 2015.
Johnson has been wrapped in cotton wool this year but was eager to leave his mark before these sides meet in the World Cup on 14 February.
He may not have reached the blood-curdling speed of his best days but by taking three wickets in 10 balls – Moeen Ali and captain Eoin Morgan with successive deliveries – he sapped the life from England's chase.
Australia were already favourites at the interval, having gone from 60 for four to an above-par 278 for eight, but dismissing England for 166, with 65 balls to spare, was a decisive statement.
Australia's revival was built around a career-best 95 from Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh's battling 60 and James Faulkner's boundary-strewn 50 not out at the close.
And all three batsmen left their mark on Chris Woakes, who bowled 10 wicketless overs for 89 before rounding out a miserable day with a golden duck.
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