Australia defeats England in Adelaide, despite Dawid Malan’s century for the hosts.

In the first one-day international on Thursday, Dawid Malan’s career-best 134 for the tourists was in vain as Australia’s top order fired in unison to secure a six-wicket victory over England. Pat Cummins took over as Australia’s ODI captain after Aaron Finch left the format in September after the home team’s victory over the ODI and T20 world champions, which came with 19 balls to spare.

England fell to 66-4 in the 14th over, four days after winning the T20 World Cup in Melbourne, as Australia’s pace attack, spearheaded by Cummins (3-62), breathed fire with the new ball, supporting their choice to the field.

Jason Roy, Sam Billings, and Phil Salt all died in the slips, Jason Roy was bowled through the gate, and James Vince was caught behind. Malan launched a counterattack in the middle overs, hitting 12 fours and four sixes, including two off Cummins’ bowling, before holing out in the deep in the 46th over.

The next-highest score by an England batsman was David Willey’s unbeaten 34 as the visitors went on to score a respectable 287-9 at the Adelaide Oval. Australia’s resounding victory was effectively set up by David Warner’s (86) and Travis Head’s (69) opening partnership of 147 runs.

While Warner and Marnus Labuschagne were removed by Willey in his subsequent overs, Chris Jordan broke the stand by taking the wicket of Head. Steve Smith, who made 80 not out, remained in the game and sealed the victory by hitting Malan for a six. The teams will travel to Sydney on Saturday for the second ODI, with the third and final game taking place in Melbourne on Tuesday.