- First ODI: Australia 294-9 beat England 275-9 by 19 runs
- Sam Billings’ 118 not enough to save world champions
A chilly September evening at an empty Old Trafford felt no way to stage a World Cup reunion party and sure enough England’s night fell flat, with Australia prevailing by 19 runs to go 1-0 up in this three-match ODI series.
Set 295 to win by the tourists, Eoin Morgan’s side were staring at a record run chase, though with nine players from last summer’s triumph at Lord’s and a hefty back catalogue of similar such hits, few could rule it out.
