Australia have plenty to ponder ahead of the Champions Trophy next year after surrendering their ODI series to Pakistan following yet another disastrous display.

Australia, missing Test stars Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, finished with a paltry 9-140 from 31.5 overs on Sunday, with Cooper Connolly unable to return after retiring hurt on seven.

In reply, Pakistan reached the victory target with 139 balls to spare to wrap up an eight-wicket win and a 2-1 series triumph over the world champions.

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It marked Pakistan’s first series win over the Aussies in Australia in 22 years.

Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) set the platform for Pakistan, before Muhammad Rizwan (30no) and Babar Azam (28no) finished the job.

MATCH CENTRE: Australia v Pakistan ball-by-call commentary, stats and more

Australia only just scrambled to the 204-run victory target in game one in Melbourne, before being skittled for 163 in a nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in Adelaide.

The batting performance in Perth in front of 19,781 fans was even worse, with tail-ender Sean Abbott top-scoring with 30 from 41 balls, and opener Matt Short (22) the next best.

It marked the first time no Australian batsman has registered a half-century in an ODI series lasting three or more matches.

“Pretty disappointing to be honest,” stand-in skipper Josh Inglis said.

“I think after the first three-quarters of the first game (of the series) we were totally outplayed. Not enough runs on the board in games two and three.”

Tellingly, Inglis said the batting woes were “all individual”.

“Guys have different games and different game plans,” he said.

“But ultimately it’s up to yourselves to get through those tough periods and earn the right to put the pressure back on the bowler.”

England great Michael Vaughan praised Pakistan but said he could not recall such a listless Australian performance over multiple matches.

“Pakistan have been absolutely fantastic but I don’t remember seeing a series where Australia have lacked so much intensity,” he wrote.

“Bilateral series are on the decline I am afraid.”

Kevin Pietersen held the series victory in such high regard that it served as a reminder of what Pakistan, battling on the coaching front, are capable of against top-level opponents.

“Pakistan WIN in Australia,” he said.

“This is the reason they HAVE TO sort out all the negative ‘noise’ and help the talent show off their skills.

“Put the politics aside and let the cricket do the talking!”

Pakistan are due to host the Champions Trophy in February and March next year and look set to enter the tournament on a high under new captain Mohammad Rizwan.

But the Aussies will have to overcome serious question marks over their team effort even after welcoming back their stars.

– with AAP