England's win by 15-run at first ODI at Lord's

London: England's 15-run win over arch-rivals Australia in the first ODI at Lord's here on Friday.

win kept alive England's hopes of replacing their oldest foes as the world's top-ranked ODI side and topping the standing in all three formats, though they need to sweep this campaign 5-0 to knock Australia off their 50-over perch.

England was stressed when left-hander Morgan, on his Middlesex home ground, came in at 121 for 3. But the former Ireland international, the man-of-the-match, broke the shackles with a 63-ball innings featuring four sixes and five fours to propel England to 272 - 5.

He shared stands of 68 with Trott (54) and 83 with Kieswetter, out for 25 off the last ball the innings after Australia had win the toss. Australia, chasing 273 for win, saw captain Michael Clarke top-score with 61 after opener David Warner had made 56.But England's bowlers were largely on top, with all their four seamers taking 2 wickets apiece.Australia opener Shane Watson fell for just 12 when he was caught behind off Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn, although England had to review Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar's unique not out decision before the all-rounder exited. But left-hander Warner and George Bailey settled into a partnership of 76.

Warner's impressive 61-ball innings, including One 6 and five 4, came to a close when he edged Anderson and wicket-keeper Kieswetter, diving to his left, held the 1st of 4 catches in the innings.The run-rate slowed and Hussey made just 13 before a Finn bouncer hit his helmet and deflect onto the stump to leave Australia 132 for four.

Clarke and wicket-keeper Matthew Wade got Australia back into the game with a stand of 57 at better than a run-a-ball. Wade pulled Anderson for 6 and Clarke drove off-spinner Graeme Swann high over the top to seal a 59-ball fifty. However, a terrible mix-up ended with Wade run out as he sacrifices his wicket on behalf of his captain.

Tim Bresnan then captured the prize wicket of Clarke after the batsman swung crossways a low full toss and was plumb lbw.After Stuart Broad had taken 2 wickets for 5 runs in 6 balls, Australia were 231 for nine. But Brett Lee and final man Xavier Doherty held on to leave Australia with a target of 21 off the final over, from Finn.

However, Finn kept his nerve and approved just five runs as England beat Australia in a ODI at Lord's for the 1st time since 1997.Earlier Ian Bell, who in his 2previous innings during a 2-0 series win over the West Indies had made a hundred and a fifty, was the 1st England wicket to fall when lbw to Lee for 41.

Soon afterwards teenage fast bowler Pat Cummins took his 1st wicket against England when he had home skipper Cook caught behind for 40.Trott, missed on 38 when Cummins dropped a caught and bowled chance, finished a 65-ball fifty with just 3 fours before effectively yorking he when bowled by left-arm spinner Doherty.

However, Morgan struck consecutive Lee deliveries for 6 over long-on and made it 3 in as many balls faced with a pull off Watson.

The series continues across London at The Oval on Sunday.