World Cup Watch: Smith, Haddin shine

Aaron Finch: Finch again looked the part at the top of the Australian order, playing a series of aesthetically pleasing strokes through the off side as he nonchalantly made his way to a run-a-ball 32. A change of pace – via the introduction of spinner Moeen Ali – proved his undoing and could be a wicket-taking avenue opponents explore throughout the World Cup as they look for a chink in the armour of the hard-hitting Victorian. Still, he and Darren Lehmann will be satisfied with another innings that gave every indication his form is heading in the right direction at the right time.

Steve Smith: There are some serious batsmen strutting their stuff on the world stage at present and Steve Smith continues to figure heavily in that particular conversation. This was another lesson in precision – of footwork, placement and timing – as the New South Welshman added a century on his ODI captaincy debut to the one he made while in charge of the Test side for the first time earlier this summer. Pacing his run perfectly, Smith exhibited the temperament of a man well beyond his years, taking charge of proceedings as wickets fell intermittently around him.

Steve Smith made a century in his first outing as Australia's ODI captain

Glenn Maxwell: The much-talked about Maxwell again did enough to whet the appetite of his fans while simultaneously falling short of satisfying the critics. He looked decidedly scratchy in facing his first few deliveries against Steven Finn with his tail up, getting dropped by James Anderson at short midwicket. Maxwell quickly found his feet though, and certainly looked the part as he and Steve Smith set about chasing down a sizeable total. The right-hander was out caught on the boundary attempting to put Moeen Ali over the midwicket fence, and fell only a metre or two short of his destination. It was the sort of shot he’s been pilloried for, but on this occasion it seemed there for the taking … and he only just missed out on six runs.  

Brad Haddin: A contest that was in the balance quickly swayed in Australia’s direction thanks to the quality late hitting of Haddin, and the keeper-batsman’s innate ability to sum up a situation quickly. In extremely promising signs for Australia, Haddin struck the ball consistently cleanly as he made a crucial 42 from 29 deliveries to again show the critics why selectors maintain the faith despite his 37 years. Was also impressive behind the stumps, taking a simple chance and effecting consecutive run-outs to end England’s innings.

James Faulkner: Faulkner has a habit of finding himself in the middle of the action, with both bat and ball. The left-armer was effective with ball in hand in trying circumstances, slowing a rapid beginning from England with the wicket of Ali and restricting the visitors late in the innings by varying his pace and length. From the relatively unfamiliar position of No.6, he then worked his way into an innings of substance, teaming up with his skipper as he targeted a finish line much more distant to what he’s become accustomed. Much like Maxwell, he looked very much on song until his unexpected dismissal on 35 which, given his reputation as ‘The Finisher’, was all rather anti-climactic.

Pat Cummins: Young quick Cummins experienced one of his more challenging days in his brief international career, going at more than seven an over as Ian Bell and co unleashed for England. The right-armer was sent for three consecutive sixes by Moeen Ali, and despite again bowling with good pace, he struggled to contain the English batsmen, though it was a clever slower ball that earned him the wicket of Joe Root.

Mitchell Starc: It was a rapid fall from the dizzying highs of 10 wickets in two matches for Starc who, like Cummins, struggled in unhelpful conditions and some high-quality batting. Despite the struggles however, some positive signs continued: good pace and bounce, and an ability to hit the stumps when it mattered at the death. Also knocked the winnings runs through cover to continue what’s been a charmed run for the lanky quick.