George Bailey top scored with 87 as Australia struggled to make a competitive first innings total in the fourth one day international at Cardiff.
The vice-captain passed 1000 runs in his 28th ODI and smashed three sixes off slow bowler James Tredwell. But the England slow bowler responded by taking three late wickets to help dismiss the tourists for just 227 off 48.2 overs.
Bailey stood virtually alone in his defiance at SWALEC Stadium as his team-mates struggled to come to terms with the England attack and tricky early conditions.
Having been reduced to 57-4, Australia battled back and were well poised to set a target of over 250 until a late batting collapse which saw their last five wickets fall for just runs 18 runs.
England made full use of seamer friendly, slightly damp early pitch conditions to make quick in-roads to the Aussie top order.
Steven Finn (2-43) struck with only the second delivery of the day as Australia were scrambled to 57-4. The Middlesex man swung the ball into Aaron Finch, trapping the opener lbw for a duck.
Boyd Rankin (2-31) removed the dangerous Shane Watson with the last ball of his second over. The 6ft 8in Irishman managed to get one to bounce and move away from the Aussie batsman who, having made six, edged an easy catch through to Buttler.
