Roy helps to power tourists to opening win

Jason Roy smashed England’s highest ever one-day innings to help banish the Ashes blues and deliver a record-breaking victory over Australia at the MCG yesterday.

Roy was relentless as he piled on 180 in the opening match of the ODI series, beating Alex Hales’ previous mark by nine runs and also eclipsing Mark Waugh’s record on this ground of 173.

Roy occupied the crease for 151 deliveries, striking 16 fours and five sixes in what will go down as one of the consummate limited-overs innings in English colours and the cornerstone of a much-needed five-wicket success.

The Surrey batsman’s efforts allowed the tourists to hunt down 305, besting the Melbourne stadium’s previous high of 295 – reeled in by Australia following their own Ashes defeat in 2011.

Roy’s innings began at a thunderous rate, his first 50 runs occupying just 32 deliveries, but it was the way in which he knuckled down through the middle overs and cashed in on an irrepressible second wind which will please him most.

Joe Root, fit again after ending the Test series stricken by sickness, partnered Roy in a third-wicket stand worth 221 and lingered long enough to see the job through with 91 not out.

Australia’s Aaron Finch also took his place among the game’s supporting acts, though his diligent 107 looked more important at the time.