Despite last-ditch heroics from Ravi Bopara, England fell to a 13-run defeat to Australia in the first T20 International in Hobart.
Set a challenging but competitive total of 213, England lost wickets regularly but Bopara took matters into his own hands late on, racing to 50 from 23 (the fastest ever T20 fifty by an Englishman), before closing the innings on 65 from 27.
Two Outlaws in Alex Hales and Michael Lumb opened the England reply, but the latter was caught in the second over off Coulter-Nile. Hales, however, looked in good touch.
Luke Wright was the next to depart, bowled by Moises Henriques for nine, and when the last ball of the over trapped Hales LBW, England were 45-3.
Morgan only made four, but Joe Root and Jos Buttler made it to 98 before both fell within two runs, England 100-6.
Fortunately, Ravi Bopara was in no mood to leave early. In an exhibition-style show, he clubbed his way to 50 from 23, then 65 from 27 by the close of the innings, which included seven sixes.
He lost partners regularly, though, despite an entertaining cameo from captain Stuart Broad. Left with an over to score 38, Bopara hit three sixes in four balls to keep the entertainment alive, even if the run chase was beyond him.
In contrast to England’s innings, Australia’s Cameron White and Aaron Finch showed fine form and motored to 52 before their partnership was broken by a Notts combination. Broad teased a loose shot from Finch, and Hales held the catch well.
At 106-1, Australia were well set, but were slowed when Luke Wright trapped the dangerous White for 75. England forced two more wickets in the innings, Glenn Maxwell caught off Bopara for 20 and George Bailey off Dernbach, but the hosts looked comfortable throughout. A debut performance from Christian Lynn, 33 from 19, proved the difference.
With two matches to play, England will go into Friday’s clash at the MCG knowing that they can still salvage some winter pride.