Sam Billings bemoaned a "disappointing loss" for England against Australia but insisted the team will be motivated for the final dead rubber ODI at the MCG.

Australia's 72-run win in Sydney on Saturday gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with one match to go in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Billings top-scored for England as they chased a target of 281, but his 71 runs along with 60 from James Vince in a partnership of 122 were two of only five scores in double figures for the tourists, who were skittled for 208.

After Steve Smith hit 94 for the hosts, enjoying big partnerships of his own with Marnus Labuschagne (58) and Mitchell Marsh (50), England's reply started poorly as Mitchell Starc (4-47) dismissed Jason Roy and Dawid Malan in the first over before the visitors had scored a single run.

"Those early wickets pegged us back so we had to rebuild and I think Australia's score was probably above par on that pitch," Billings told BT Sport.

"It was pretty two-paced and up-and-down at points. It was a real shame Vincey and I couldn't go on for another 10 overs. It was a disappointing loss."

Adam Zampa took 4-45 to clinch the series win, a relief for Australia after they failed to make the semi-finals of their home T20 World Cup, which was won by England.

Billings believes that despite many players in the 50-over team having already played through that tournament, they will find energy once more on Tuesday, while players like him who arrived more recently can use it as another opportunity.

"For more than half the group who have obviously been out here for a long time, it is about trying to muster up the energy for one last game," he added.

"For the five of us who have had limited opportunities and came in a week ago, it is a huge opportunity for us to stake a claim and be that energy for the group.

"It's not every day you play at the MCG against Australia so there shouldn't be any lack of ambition for that last game."