Australia beat England by 59 runs and lead the series 1-0

Watson’s two important strikes took the game away from England

Australia defeated England by 59 runs to go 1-0 up in the first match of the five-match one-day international series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh's partnership in the end brought Australia back in the game to set a target of 306 runs which England failed to chase.

After winning the toss, Australia's new skipper, Steven Smith decided to bat first on the pitch which looked batting friendly. His decision was well supported by the openers David Warner and Joe Burns who gave the visitors a solid start.

Warner got a reprieve when he was on 18 as Chris Woakes dropped a tough return catch. Burns gave away his wicket, trying to drive a full toss by Adil Rashid, giving a simple return catch to the bowler. He made 44 runs off 53 balls.

Soon, the vice-captain, Warner reached his fifty but couldn't survive longer as Rashid struck again to dismiss the second opener. Australia were 133 for 2 at this stage.

Smith and the new batsman, George Bailey looked in good touch, especially Bailey who was hammering the English bowlers. But Rashid came back to stop them again as he picked both the wickets of Smith and Bailey who scored 44 and 23 runs respectively.

The batsmen who followed them, Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson couldn't contribute much to the total as both got out in the space of 2 runs and Australia were in trouble at 193 for 6 in 36 overs.

The wicket-keeper Wade played a calm innings to start with and soon composed his sixth ODI fifty and brought Australia out of the danger zone with Mitchell Marsh’s support.

Both the players put on an 112-run stand to help the team recover from 193/6 to eventually post 305/6.

Jason Roy and Alex Hales gave England a quick start as they needed and reached their third 50-plus stand. But Hales soon gifted his wicket after making 22 runs to Marsh.

Roy continued to strike more fluently and brought up his maiden fifty off just 49 deliveries. His innings included 10 boundaries. Maxwell soon got the much-needed prize wicket of the opener, as he made 67 off 64 balls.

Watson didn't have a good time with the bat, but he removed the set batsmen James Taylor and captain Eoin Morgan as they made 49 and 38 respectively. Both the batsmen looked dangerous, especially Taylor who looked to step up the gear.

Then it was just a matter of time as it all started going in Australia's way. England, who were once at 194/4, were bowled out for 246 runs and Australia won the match by 59 runs to go 1-0 up in the series.

Wade was named the Man-of-the-match for his unbeaten 71 off just 50 deliveries which included 12 boundaries.