Cricket World Cup: Aaron Finch earns perfect marks in Australia’s win over England

WITH enviable all-round strength, Australia took apart England at the MCG. But who starred, and who needs to step up? Check out our player ratings.

Australia's paceman Mitchell Marsh (R) celebrates with teammates Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell (R) after dismissing England's batsman Gary Ballance (not pictured) during the Pool A 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on February 14, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Saeed Khan --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-

THERE were no first-game nerves for Australia.

New Zealand may have looked good in beating Sri Lanka in Christchurch earlier in the day but Australia’s demolition of England at the MCG on Saturday has set the World Cup bar extremely high.

With enviable batting depth, a fast bowling arsenal to drool over and fielders capable of pulling off the sublime, the hosts took apart the hapless Poms.

But the 111-run win didn’t come without a problem or two and not everyone joined in the fun.

For every Aaron Finch there was a Shane Watson to give selectors plenty to think about ahead of their next game against Bangladesh.

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Aaron Finch celebrates his century with a hug from George Bailey.

Here are the player ratings.

Aaron Finch 10

Might have been dropped in the first over, but you won’t see too many finer hundreds than that - particular when you consider the stage. World Cup opener in front of 84,000 on his home patch at the MCG - doesn’t get better than that.

David Warner 4

Got off to a great start, but wasn’t able to go on with it. Was always busy in the field and started the mind games before the teams even ran out, by staring down nemesis Joe Root in the tunnel.

Shane Watson 2

Copped a ripper of a delivery from Stuart Broad straight up to go for a golden duck. Wicketless with the ball and Watson’s position in the team is all of a sudden looking shaky.

Steve Smith 4

Rare poor night with the bat - the first time Smith has been dismissed for single figures in an international all summer. But made up for that with an astonishing flying catch to his right which could well be the best of the Cup.

George Bailey 8

Outstanding captain’s knock when Australia were in trouble at 3-70. Classy half-century which gives selectors food for thought when Michael Clarke returns next week.

Glenn Maxwell 8

Brutal but brilliant batting from Maxwell at the death showed why he could be the man that wins Australia this World Cup. His half century was a pleasure to watch.

Mitchell Marsh 8

What a performance from the 23-year-old all-rounder. For a bloke who wasn’t allowed to bowl until a few weeks ago due to injury, Marsh produced his first ever five-wicket haul when it mattered most. How can this man be left out of Australia’s best XI?

Brad Haddin 7

Outstanding catch down the leg side to get rid of Joe Root, and a smashing cameo of 31 off 14. The veteran keeper couldn’t have done any more.

Mitchell Johnson 5

Didn’t open the bowling as per usual and didn’t make his usual impact, but still struck late to remind England who is boss.

Mitchell Starc yorked Stuart Broad first ball.

Mitchell Starc 6

Good bowling from the opening left-armer early, getting up to 150km/h in a blistering first spell. Key man.

Josh Hazlewood 4

Went wicket-less but had a catch dropped off him in the deep by Aaron Finch. Always asking questions, the worm will turn for Hazlewood - a big World Cup awaits.