Insensible running between the wickets by Lankans:

Australia win first one-dayer by 107 runs

Century from debutant Phil Hughes 112:

Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from Australia

A fascinating debut century from Phil Hughes 112 who was associated in a second wicket stand of 140 in 140 balls with skipper George Bailey 89 steered Australia to a run victory in the first of five Commonwealth Bank series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here, today.

After Australia made 305 for 5 with David Hussey blasting a 60 in 34 balls, Sri Lanka after the loss of two early wickets were going well at 111 for 2, when three insensible run outs saw them veer off course. Sri Lanka made 198.

The Player of the match was Philp Hughes. Crowd 27 thousand. After Dilshan made 51, it was Dinesh Chandimal who took the fight to the Australians. With a heavily strapped thigh and striking in pain he scored a gallant 73 with 7 fours and a six in 95 balls.

Disastrous start

When the Sri Lankan began their dig needing 306 for victory, they were off to a disastrous start losing opener Upul Tharanga for 1 at 8 and then the twin half century maker in the Third Test in Sydney Mahela Jayawardene for 5 at 17. Not the start they were looking for.

Young Dinesh Chandimal who is showing good promise as a wicket keeper batsman joined Tillekeratne Dilshan and steadied the ship playing some intelligent cricket.

Although the rate of scoring was not in keeping with the required rate quick, they stalled the Aussie push. Dilshan who was scoring his runs off square cuts was first to 50 in 65 balls with 4 fours in 101 minutes.

Motoring well

When the batsmen were motoring well, Dilshn ran himself out. He drove a ball to mid off fieldsman Usman Khawaja and darted, only to see Khawaja finding him short with a direct hit. 111 for 3. With Chandimal, Dilshan added 94 in 119 balls. Then followed two uncalled for run outs of Angel Mathews for 12 at 128 and at the same score Lahiru Thirimanne was also run out for no score and at 128 for 5 the Lankans were presenting the game to Australia. Philip Hughes joined a select band of batmen who have smashed centuries on debut. He was a treat to watch and for a debutant this was a century that he will also treasure and remember.

Different ball game

Although this a different ball game to the established Test cricket, the Lankans were endeavoring to redeem lost prestige by at least winning the one-day series and going ahead of Australia in the ICC one-day rankings.

A lovely day signaled the start of the Five-match one-day series and before the start, the Sri Lankan fans were flocking into the ground, some in fancy dress, waving the Lion Flag and beating the drums and when Kulesekera delivered the first ball they were cheering wildly and baying for a Sri Lanka victory.

Skipper George Bailey won the toss and elected to bat. For the Aussies Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja were making their debut. Sri Lanka was playing the two Mendis' Ajantha and Jeevan.

Rollicking start

The two debutants Finch and Hughes were off to a rollicking start putting on 53 for the first wicket when mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis coming on for his first over had Finch taken behind by Dinesh Chandimal for 16.

Finch who has dominated the Big Bash League with his power hitting was hopelessly out of touch and could not break out into any stroke play and failed to find the boundary even once.

The other debutant the left left hander Usman Khawja walked in and did not last long being run out trying to steal a single for 3. He was given out by the third umpire, not having grounded his bat. 72 for 2.

The sparks

Skipper George Bailey joined Hughes and provided the sparks with a 140 run stand in as many balls. Hughes was the more aggressive throwing his bat at every ball and hitting the boundaries with ease.

Unlike in the Test matches where he was slow, in the slog game his approach was different and it was refreshing to watch. He was particularly severe on Lasith Malinga whom he took apart. He played some elegant square cuts cover drives that sent the ball rocketing to the boundary.

He was given good support by Bailey who at times matched him stroke for stroke and took the Sri Lankan bowling apart.

Debut century

Hughes' century came when he pushed a Ajantha Mendis delivery to mid wicket for a single. His three figures came in 123 balls with 12 fours in 156 minutes. He was out for 112 with 14 fours. Bailey too joined in the run feast and smashed 89 in 79 balls with 8 fours and a six. Bailey is one of the most powerful hitters of the ball and in this innings he hit with great power. He was on the way to a century when he mistimed a shot and was taken by Jeevan Mendis off Mathews.

Towards the latter part of the innings, David Hussey, brother of the famous Michael showed his prowess with the bat with a quick unbeaten 60 in 34 balls with 6 fours and a six.

Massive score

Former wicket keeper batsman Brad Haddin who came back into the team made 10 not out and together with Hussey added 57 runs to take Australia to a massive 305 in 50 overs leaving Sri Lanka to make 306 for victory.

A tall ask. For no unaccountable reason all the Lankan bowlers were either pitching short and off line and bowling wicket to wicket in this style of game which was essential, was a forgotten art.

Slinger Lasith Malinga on whom the Lankans were relying to get among the wickets ad stall the Aussie batsmen could not get his act together and was taken for 61 in 10 which was expensive according to his standard.

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Friday.