Moeen Ali shone with the ball but registered a first ball duck as England's final One-Day International of 2015 against Sri Lanka in Colombo ended in defeat.
The Worcestershire all-rounder responded to a new role in the England attack by finishing with figures of 2-39 from 10 overs.
They were by far the most successful and economical figures of the Sri Lanka innings of 302-6 from 50 overs.
Moeen had previously been introduced into the attack during the mandatory powerplay overs and used in spells of varying lengths.
But this time the 27-year-old was held back to the 18th over and then bowled nine overs in succession during which time he accounted for Kumar Sangakkara (33) and Angelo Matthews (20).
Moeen struck for the first time in his fourth over when Sangakkara, in his final home ODI, was caught by James Tredwell at mid wicket off a low full toss.
His second success came in his eighth over when Matthews went for a paddle sweep and was bowled by a quicker and flatter delivery.
Moeen came back into the attack for the 42nd over which cost him 10 runs including a six over long on off Dinesh Chandimal (55 not out).
Tilakaratne Dilshan (101) and 54 off 26 balls from Thisara Prasad carried Sri Lanka to an imposing total.
England needed a typically aggressive start from Moeen, their second highest run-scorer in the series, if they were to mount a serious challenge.
But he departed for a first ball nought after trying to cut a ball that skidded on from Dilshan and he lost his off stump.
England lost wickets at regular intervals and had struggled to 78-5 in the 20th over. They were eventually beaten by 87 runs to lose the series 5-2.
