Australia VS England T20I: Alex Hales and Mark Wood are the stars in the narrow victory

Put in to bat first after Australia skipper Aaron Finch won the toss, Hales (84), and a quickfire half-century from returning skipper Jos Buttler (68 off 32 balls), meant England scored a more than competitive 208-6.

They then defended that total thanks in no small part to Wood (3-34) as well as crucial showings from Reece Topley (2-36) as well as Sam Curran (2-35).

But it was England’s batting that again showed why so many people see them as one of the favourites going into the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Their batting order is not only packed with power hitters, but they also bat deep in terms of their bowlers – Mark Wood, a player who’s scored a test half-century, comes in to bat at number 11.

And their key batters showed off their ability to hit big and hit them often fairly consistently. Besides Buttler and Hales, there were quickfire cameos from the likes of Moeen Ali (10 off seven balls), Chris Woakes (13* off five balls) and even Harry Brook (12 runs off ten balls).

In the end, it didn’t matter, but it took some almighty bowling and a controversial call from their skipper for the English to start the series on a high.

David Warner scored a blistering 73 off 44 balls, although his opening partner Cameron Green didn’t fare as well, getting a single then getting out to Reece Topley after edging one to Buttler behind the stumps.

Mitchell Marsh (36) and Marcus Stoinis (35) also played vital cameos, the former ensuring the run rate didn’t rise too high after the early departure of Green. At the same time, the latter became Mark Wood’s second victim despite, at one point, looking invincible.

However, the biggest problem is that Matthew Wade could not find a partner that stuck around long enough to give them a chance of winning the game.

In the end, he fell victim to Sam Curran but not without causing some controversy as he appeared to impede Mark Wood during a catch attempt.

The blatant rule break was caught on camera, but, amazingly, no one appealed for Wade’s dismissal, and he was able to bat on for a while.

But he was dismissed in the end, and Australia, who came into the final over needing 16 to win, could only manage seven runs due to Wade being dismissed in the third ball.

Once he was gone, it was game over, and England will go into the next game full of confidence, having beaten the hosts.

The second and the third T20I will take place at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.