A terrific solo effort by Shane Watson with the bat enabled Australia to overcome a poor fielding effort and beat England in the opening ODI match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
One of the few Australians to emerge with his reputation intact after the Ashes disaster, Watson's brilliant unbeaten 161 enabled the home side to chase down England's imposing total of 294 from 49.4 overs with five balls to spare.
Fittingly, Watson hit the winning runs from the first ball of the last over, lofting Ajmal Shahzad over long-on for six to take Australia to 297-4.
He and Brad Haddin laid the foundation for the win with a 110-run partnership, although another scratchy innings by skipper Michael Clarke threatened to ruin the chase.
Clarke put on 103 with Watson for the 2nd wicket, but again looked sadly out of form and often earned ironical cheers from the crowd when he managed to score as he eked out 36 from 57 balls.
The solo crack of Watson, dropped on 44 by Jonathan Trott from the bowling of Chris Tremlett at mid-on, spared Australian blushes after a hapless performance in the field.
Kevin Pietersen led the way for England, who won the toss and elected to bat, with 78 from 75 balls with three sixes.
Just over a month out from their World Cup defence, the Australians offered up dropped catches, missed stumpings, botched run outs and wickets from no-balls, as well as 14 wides.
One of the few Australians to emerge with his reputation intact after the Ashes disaster, Watson's brilliant unbeaten 161 enabled the home side to chase down England's imposing total of 294 from 49.4 overs with five balls to spare.Fittingly, Watson hit the winning runs from the first ball of the last over, lofting Ajmal Shahzad over long-on for six to take Australia to 297-4.
He and Brad Haddin laid the foundation for the win with a 110-run partnership, although another scratchy innings by skipper Michael Clarke threatened to ruin the chase.
Clarke put on 103 with Watson for the 2nd wicket, but again looked sadly out of form and often earned ironical cheers from the crowd when he managed to score as he eked out 36 from 57 balls.
The solo crack of Watson, dropped on 44 by Jonathan Trott from the bowling of Chris Tremlett at mid-on, spared Australian blushes after a hapless performance in the field.
Kevin Pietersen led the way for England, who won the toss and elected to bat, with 78 from 75 balls with three sixes.
Just over a month out from their World Cup defence, the Australians offered up dropped catches, missed stumpings, botched run outs and wickets from no-balls, as well as 14 wides.
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