Doherty's second chance, Finch's second life

New format, new bowlers…but nothing much was new for Alastair Cook. His first ball from Clint McKay swung back in and brought a loud lbw shout, although it was too high, although there was momentary relief when he cut his second for four. But two deliveries later it was as though it was Ryan Harris sending the ball down as he prodded outside off and edged through to Brad Haddin. He may have talked a more positive game yesterday, but Cook looks a batsman who would rather not be here.

Gary Ballance's one-day international debut did not go to plan: caught behind for a second-ball duck against Ireland in September. It was uncertain whether he would make the starting XI Melbourne but benefitted from England packing their batting line-up. He was off the mark fifth ball with a drive through backward point off Glenn Maxwell and showed impressive composure with England in a sticky situation on 3 for 62. When he tucked a single off Maxwell he went to a 69-ball half century - it is expected to be the first of many.

Running in from third man, Xavier Doherty could not hold onto Ballance's thick outside edge off McKay much to his own (and the bowler's) frustration. Yet, three balls later he made amends when an identical shot picked him out with precision and this time the ball nestled safely in the hands as he tumbled forward.

It's fair to say Aaron Finch lived a charmed life. Chris Jordan bowled a lively opening spell and could easily have claimed Finch's wicket. The clearest opportunity came when he had 8 and drove firmly, but at an easy catching height, to Ballance at mid-off who shelled the chance. An upbeat feeling England may have had, or belief they had a decent total, started to evaporate from there.

Then it was David Warner who gained a second life. On 22 he edged Ben Stokes to Jos Buttler, who claimed the catch low down. Warner appeared content to take Buttler's word that it had carried, but as soon as TV replays were seen that usual problem of foreshortening provided doubt. Warner slowed his walk towards the boundary as the umpires conferred and eventually he was recalled to crease. On his way back he gave Buttler a sympathetic pat on the backside; none of the players had done anything wrong.