In the opening game of the ODI tri-series played in the Sydney Cricket Ground as a warm-up ahead of the World Cup, England lost to Australia, but newly appointed captain Eoin Morgan hit his century. Unfortunately, the brilliant performance by the 28 year-old England captain was not sufficient to save his team from a defeat.
The game exposed England's imperfect form; throughout the match there was little support from England teammates.
Aussies, on the other hand, never looked in danger during the match and England was given a chance to witness a display of what awaits for them in the World Cup.
Real shockers came when England's Ian Bell and James Taylor were both trapped lbw by Mitchell Starc, who demonstrated the highest standard of cricket. Aussie's 24-year-old fast left- arm bowler, dismissed both Bell and Taylor with his first deliveries; England team did not lose early wickets like this in a very long time and at this point much of England's optimism died out.
On the other hand, the captaincy appears to bring the best out of Morgan; he made a comfortable return to his form and once again appeared electrified and saved England from one of those embarrassing moments that were seen too often last winter; Morgan made 121 out of England's 234, but his century was not enough to stop Aussies showing that they will be the team to watch in the forthcoming World Cup.
The home team's David Warner, a 28 year-old fast scoring left - handed opening batsman, dominated the game; he hit 127 to help Australia at the top of the leaderboard.
England bowling attack is missing Jimmy Anderson, who is still injured, but apparently would be fit and ready for the must win game against India on Tuesday.
Overall, England have a poor record in one-day-international series, and this game was not different; they have won only four of their last 16 ODIs.
There is the next ODI game to play against India on Tuesday, but there is also only 27 days to go until England play their World Cup opener; the captain Morgan will need to put his house in order by then.
