Sleightholme, 24, got here on as a alternative and scored twice within the second half to register his first two worldwide tries.
Marcus Smith’s touchline conversion from the Northampton wing’s second attempt put England right into a 30-28 lead heading into the ultimate 10 minutes.
Nevertheless, two Wallaby tries – both aspect of Itoje’s 78th-minute rating – noticed Australia register solely their second win in opposition to England of their previous 12 conferences.
The frantic finale additionally prevented a dream first sport at Allianz Stadium for Sleightholme, who received his third cap on Saturday.
“It was good to attain nevertheless it does not imply something should you do not win,” he added.
It’s the fourth sport in 5 matches that Borthwick’s aspect have fallen on the mistaken aspect of the ultimate play, following two shut Checks in opposition to the All Blacks in July and a 33-31 defeat by France of their closing sport of this 12 months’s Six Nations.
On Saturday, England will face world champions South Africa, who defeated Scotland of their opening match of the autumn on Sunday.
“We’re testing followers’ endurance, testing our endurance,” admitted England quantity eight Ben Earl. “It seems like we received the sport twice in opposition to Australia after which managed to lose it. Irritating.
“Not the identical previous issues, completely different issues, however the identical overwhelming feeling of one other sport that we have let slip. So meals for thought.”
