Steve Smith says Australia did very well to post a total of 305
Friday 4 September 2015 06:43, UK
Captain Steve Smith was full of praise for man of the match Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh after Australia beat England by 59 runs in the first one-day international.
Smith was also delighted with the way his side performed in the field, as they claimed the early advantage in the five-match Royal London series.
The tourists' total of 305 looked vulnerable, particularly when England raced to 70-0 in reply.
But the hosts faltered after openers Alex Hales and Jason Roy were dismissed, whereas Wade and Marsh were able to hit back after the Aussies had suffered a mini-collapse of their own.
Smith said: "I thought the boys played really nicely tonight. We had a little bit of a hiccup with the bat in the middle order but Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh scored 93 in the last 10 overs.
"It was an extremely good effort to get us up to 305 and it turned out to be enough. Matt's innings was very important and he played some very smart cricket with Mitchell.
"Our total was around par. We thought we would have to bowl and field well , and we did tonight. That was the most pleasing thing from my point of view."
Wade was thrilled with his 71 not out from just 50 balls but, more importantly, felt it was crucial Australia began the series well after their defeat in the recent Test series.
"It's huge, to start with a win is important after the Ashes," he said. "Really happy with the start, personally, and for the team.
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"I was feeling pretty bad when I ran 'Watto' (Shane Watson) out! I was feeling bad and then I knew I had to take it as deep as I could.
"Me and Mitch knuckled down and managed to get a good total.
"I thought we were maybe a little bit under-par. Ten to 15 more would have been nice, but our bowlers bowled well and we fielded well.
"It's great to be back. The last 12 months, when I have got the opportunity, I feel I have played well in one-day cricket."
