Australian opener David Warner's splendid knock of 127 runs anchored the hosts to register a three-wicket win over England in the opening match of the Carlton mid ODI triangular series on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
England struggled from the start of the match as they went in to bat after winning the toss. The tourists lost two wickets in quick succession as left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc trapped opener Ian Bell and James Taylor lbw for a duck.
England's new ODI captain Eoin Morgan steadied the sinking ship for the tourists, who were 69-5 at one time, and went on to score 121 runs to lift his side to 234 all out. His ton came at a crucial time for England as they struggled to find a formidable partnership in front of an Australian pace attack.
Spearheading the bowling unit, Starc delivered impressive match figures of 4-42, while all-rounder James Faulkner recorded 3-47 to round up the England batting line-up within 48 overs.
Chasing a moderate total, Australia claimed the victory with 61 balls to spare.
Warner played a massive innings, hitting 127 runs that included 18 fours. Test cricket big-hitter Steven Smith managed to hit 37 runs, while the rest of the Australian batting lineup contributed little to ease the hosts to victory.
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Australian pace express Starc was the player of the match for his impressive match figures.
The second match of the triangular series between India and Australia would be held on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground.