ADELAIDE: A superb Dawid Malan century was in vain as Australia cruised to a six-wicket win over England in their first one-day international at the Adelaide Oval yesterday. Malan hit a stylish 134 as England made 287-9, but it never looked enough on a flat batting track that offered nothing for the bowlers.

Australia were largely untroubled as they reached the target with 3.1 overs remaining. “It was a fantastic performance, a team performance,” Australian captain Pat Cummins said. “We came in here really fresh and keen to get back into it.” The Australian openers had made light work of the England attack and were in control from the outset as both David Warner and Travis Head launched an all-out assault. They brought up the century partnership in just 88 balls, with only Olly Stone able to contain the two left-handers.

Neither looked in any danger until Head pulled a short ball from Chris Jordan straight to Phil Salt at deep square leg to fall for 69. Warner appeared headed for his first century in almost three years until, on 86, he pulled David Willey in the air and was well caught by Sam Billings at deep backward square. But Steve Smith, who finished not out 80, was untroubled as he guided Australia home despite losing Marnus Labuschagne for four and Alex Carey for 21 along the way. “We’ve got plenty of Test cricket coming up, to see Smithy play like this was really pleasing,” Cummins said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 18 2022

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