AUSSIES PHIL THEIR BOOTS

Salt debut as captain wrecked after Head blitz

- GARY FITZGERALD

LIAM LIVINGSTONE'S valiant efforts with bat and ball were in vain as the Aussies drew first blood in the T20 series.

The powerful all-rounder produced an excellent bowling display with three wickets and then struck a quick 37 to boost England's run chase in Southampton.

Sadly, he and his teammates fell 28 runs short of the 180 needed for victory.

Australia's attack, led by the outstanding Josh Hazlewood (2-32) and with Sean Abbott taking 3-28, dismissed the home team for 151.

Having produced a stirring fightback and restricted the Aussies to 179 - when they had threatened to rampage their way to well over 200 - England needed a strong start to their run chase. But the were quickly in trouble at 52-4 and fell behind the run rate. Will Jacks made just six before lofting a catch off Hazlewood while debutant Jordan Cox hit 17 before caught spectacularly by a running, diving Tim David.