Australia's Mitchell Johnson (L) and Nathan Lyon celebrate the wicket of Dale Steyn (not in picture) during the third day of the third cricket test match against South Africa at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, March 3, 2014.
Australia's Mitchell Johnson (L) and Nathan Lyon celebrate the wicket of Dale Steyn (not in picture) during the third day of the third cricket test match against South Africa at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, March 3, 2014. Shaun Roy

Australia got off to a good start in the tri-series with a three-wicket win over England. A collapse threatened Australia's victory over India but James Faulkner guided his team to a four-wicket win last night in a Tri-series One Day International (ODI) match, in Melbourne. Australia had a few anxious moments but eventually pulled off a victory and overcome a late mini-collapse to win with just six balls remaining thanks to the 24-year-old cricketer.

Aaron Finch score 96 and piloted Australia comfortably at 216 for two in a chase of 268 but India staged a late comeback by taking three quick wickets. "It's a perfect warm-up for the World Cup, you want to win games under pressure," Brad Haddin said.

India dismissed Steve Smith (47), Finch and George Bailey (5) in a gap of 23 balls in hopes to turnaround but Brad Haddin (13) and James Faulkener (9) batted, which denied India a dramatic finale. After Australia got off to a good start in the tri-series with a three-wicket win over England, it finished victorious against India and will square odd against India once again on January 26.

India's captain Mahendra Singh conceded that his side lost the plot in the early overs in their match against Australia. He said that it was a good match overall and Mitchell Starc and Rohit Sharma played really well. However, he added that bowling with the new ball was crucial and said that if his team wants to win tournaments, they need to execute plans.

Just recently, James Faulkner, who has the phenomenal average of 131.33 when batting second in ODIs, revealed that the slow nature of the pitches do not worry his team. Although the Indians use it to their advantage, he thinks that everyone seems to be in form. He said that both teams are on equal foot. Faulkner currently sits 39th on the ICC's one-day international batting rankings - two places better than Friday's century-maker David Warner.

To reach the author of this article e-mail d.ramos@ibtimes.com.au

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