10.25pm So, that sums things up from the first ODI. Have a read of Dan Brettig's match report before you go, and we'll see you at the Gabba for Match 2 out of 5 in what promises to be a high-octane ODI series.
10.20pm Time for some presentations. First up, Australia's skipper. "He didn't give us a chance, and he chanced his arm," says Steve Smith of an awesome Jason Roy innings. "They got off to an absolute flyer and we couldn't pull them back."
Unsurprisingly, Jason Roy is man of the match. "Incredibly special, I don't have too many words right now. Halesy was pretty disappointed [to lose his England ODI highest score]. It had been a tough season last season, so to be selected was incredibly special.
"I was so happy, first time here, what an incredlble place," he says of the MCG. And his hand is "okay", he says...
10.15pm Ben: "Yet again Root fails to convert. When will England selectors come to their senses? " I know... shocking... Still, a tremendous supporting hand from England's back-to-the-ranks No.4, who has reaffirmed his class across formats
"He's imposing at the crease, and what a way to start the series," says England's captain, Eoin Morgan. "It sums up the character of the bloke, coming back in."
"Australia are a strong side and will come back incredibly hard at Brisbane, but it's a nice way to start the series."
10.11pm England win with seven balls to spare on a memorable night at the MCG. A record innings, a first-ever chase of a 300-plus total by any side at Australia's grandest ground, and a vital calling-card from a one-day squad that has high expectations, and plenty of English pride to salvage
Dan: "Well, they are bottling it. Obviously they are in such a dominant position that they will win, but as an earlier commenter said, it's not a good sign for their bigger picture." That earlier commentator now accuses me of spinning his words like an American politician, but seeing as another naysayer has now endorsed his words, he clearly speaks for an unhinged demographic. Much like another American politician...
END OF OVER:48 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | ENG: 302/5 (3 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 6.29, RRR: 1.50)
- Joe Root90 (109b)
- Moeen Ali0 (0b)
- Marcus Stoinis6-0-33-1
- Pat Cummins10-0-63-2
England need three from 12 balls, with five wickets in hand. In case you were under the impression they were bottling it...
Well, that was a torrid innings for Buttler. He seemed to attract all of the Aussie aggression. But hard to see how it can make a difference to the final result...
JC Buttler c Starc b Stoinis 4 (15m 10b 0x4 0x6) SR: 40.00
Galen: "First boundary in 52 balls"
Chris: "Here again proof why England will never be number side in any format, this game should been done by now. But No, not with England, they'll go back to the tried and true nature of the English cricketer and dink and donk alongand then all of a sudden they run rate creeps up, which in effect makes the English cricketer panic and lose his wicket and then for the supporter it's the all to familiar stressful ending yet again." Are you seriously saying that a national-record innings and a highest run-chase at the MCG isn't good enough for you? Some people...
END OF OVER:47 | 5 Runs | ENG: 297/4 (8 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.31, RRR: 2.66)
- Jos Buttler4 (9b)
- Joe Root85 (104b)
- Pat Cummins10-0-63-2
- Andrew Tye10-0-43-0
Daniel: "Roy bats at 5/6 in first class cricket. Its a number 1 and 3 England are lacking. His technique against the swinging ball is poor so he can't bat higher."
jacob: "Now they seem to be drawing out the game. I'll laugh like a drain if they stuff this chase up now like they are doing." It'll take an incredible stuff-up from here. Just saying...
END OF OVER:46 | 3 Runs | ENG: 292/4 (13 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 6.34, RRR: 3.25)
- Joe Root83 (102b)
- Jos Buttler1 (5b)
- Andrew Tye10-0-43-0
- Pat Cummins9-0-58-2
Mark: "The counter-argument to what people are saying (sensibly) about Roy is David Warner. Made his international debut in T20 before his FC debut, but turned into a very fine Test batsman." Damn right. He is living proof that the classiest players find a way, whatever their heritage
Mûftí WåjÎð: "People were baying for Roy's blood not long ago and it was only Morgan who kept faith in him. And just one innings and everybody is like they wanted him in ASHES. Surely he can be tried but only when he is in form like now." True, I think the wider point is why not try him in Tests in general? Hales had a chance, after all (and didn't disgrace himself, even if he was out of his ideal position)