Morgan rates match-winning hundred his best

Eoin Morgan's first one-day century came against Canada, his second versus Bangladesh and his third on Tuesday against Australia at the Rose Bowl. Little wonder the day after his match-winning, unbeaten 103, he rated it the best of his one-day international career.

"Playing against such a big side like Australia, and given the circumstances, I was quite proud of myself," Morgan said after the squad arrived in Cardiff for the second ODI. Morgan came in at a critical time for England, who stumbled to 97 for 4 early in his innings.

But he demonstrated a cool head and struck 16 boundaries to all parts of the ground. Importantly, Morgan saw the chase of 268 through to the very end, and brought up his hundred with the winning four straight back down the ground. His power was a feature of the innings, and several times he cleared Australia's infield with ease.

"I've learned with experience. I've batted at four and five for a long time and been in different situations," he said. "I've made plenty of mistakes and, over the last couple of years, I've learned to give myself a lot more time. I've worked on the power-hitting and the longer I stay at the crease the more I give myself a chance.

"I do put in a hell of a lot of hard work. I do a lot of work in my own time and with guys I like to work with. That's taking nothing away from England, I work quite hard with Andy Flower and the other senior players within the side."

The Australians couldn't maintain any pressure on Morgan, who brought up his century from 85 deliveries. It was a challenging day for Australia's fast-bowling debutant Josh Hazlewood, 19, who collected 1 for 41 but also leaked five fours and one six.

"There were a lot of boundaries hit last night," Hazlewood said. "I felt when I was bowling there were one or two bad balls an over which they capitalised on. It's a massive learning curve for me, but also a great opportunity to show what you can do.

"I feel a bit more part of the team now I've played a game. You've just got to make sure that with very opportunity you get, you make your mark. That's all you can do."

Hazlewood might get another opportunity in Thursday's second game. He can only hope that Morgan has an off night.