Fatigued Aussies laid low

MITCH Marsh has said Australia may have been suffering from an Ashes hangover but it was not the reason for its oneday loss to England.

The Aussies were humbled for the first time this summer by England in Sunday’s first one-day international at the MCG.

The five-wicket win was England’s only real highlight of a deplorable summer and came despite the home side racking up a more than competitive total of 8-304.

After winning the Ashes 4-0, Australia was favoured to make light work of England in the five-match ODI series but must bounce back in Friday’s day-nighter at the Gabba.

The team has been given two days to rest following Sunday’s loss before reconvening in Brisbane to start preparations for the Gabba clash.

Marsh continued his solid form with 50 (68 balls) while opener Aaron Finch (107) and allrounder Marcus Stoinis (60) helped Australia to a commanding total.

But after a gruelling Ashes series, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc (2-71) and Pat Cummins (2-63) were blasted by England opener Jason Roy on his way to a record 180.

Marsh, who arrived in Brisbane yesterday because returning to Perth was too taxing, said fatigue may have played a part in Australia’s poor performance with the white ball.

“There may be an element of that but from a momentum perspective we were really up and about,” he said.