Magic Morkel wins it for South Africa

Anyone who thought that South Africa would not be fired up for the one-day series against Australia was proved totally wrong as the tourists won the opening match of the five-game series at the MCG on Friday. South Africa almost threw it away but then watched in delight as Albie Morkel smashed them to victory.

Incredibly, South Africa have now won all six times they have played Australia in Melbourne and the way they celebrated their win at the end, it looks like they mean business in this series.

As I said in the preview, I had thought that motivation would be the key in this series, but it seems that South Africa are simply acquiring that winning habit, having won the Test series.

Even without captain Graeme Smith, they look strong and their team ethic is immense. Australia's fielding towards the end on Friday was shambolic and it will take a big effort from them to get back into the series now.

Morkel's brilliant unbeaten 40 from just 18 balls, with four boundaries and one enormous six, won it for South Africa after they looked to have lost it, having slipped from 213-3 to 221-7.

If anything, it will have knocked another chunk out of Australia's faltering confidence and the second match, in Hobart on Sunday, will be a fascinating affair.

Australia are now 8/11 to win the series, while South Africa have been cut to evens, while for the match in Hobart. the home side are 1/2, while the tourists are 6/4.