Australia’s top order fired in unison to secure a six-wicket win over England with Dawid Malan’s career-best 134 for the visitors going in vain in the first ODI at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

The home side’s victory against the ODI and T20 world champions, which came with 19 balls to spare, marked the beginning of Pat Cummins’ tenure as Australia’s one-day captain succeeding Aaron Finch, who quit the format in September.

Four days after winning the T20 World Cup in Melbourne, England slumped to 66/4 in the 14th over as Australia’s pace attack, led by Cummins (3/62), breathed fire with the new ball, vindicating their decision to field.

Phil Salt perished in the slip, Jason Roy and Sam Billings were bowled through the gate while James Vince departed caught behind.

Malan counter-attacked in the middle overs, hitting four sixes — two of them off the bowling of Cummins — and 12 fours before holing out in the deep in the 46th over.
He was adjudged Man of the Match.

Man of the Match Dawid Malan of England after completing his century on Thursday. Getty Images

David Willey’s unbeaten 34 was the next highest score by an England batter as the visitors went on to post a decent 287/9.

A 147-run opening stand between David Warner (86) and Travis Head (69) laid the platform for Australia’s comprehensive victory.

Chris Jordan broke the stand by taking the wicket of Head while Willey dismissed Warner and Marnus Labuschagne in his successive overs but Steve Smith, who made 80 not out, stayed put and sealed victory, hitting Malan for a six.

The second ODI will be in Sydney on Saturday.

Brief scores: England 287/9 in 50 overs (Dawid Malan 134; Pat Cummins 3/62, Adam Zampa 3/55). Australia 291/4 in 46.5 overs (David Warner 86, Travis Head 69, Steve Smith 80 n.o.). Australia won by 6 wickets.