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Australia capitalised on some charitable South African fielding to set the Proteas a challenging 272 for victory in the opening one-day international at the MCG.
After winning the toss, Australia reached 271 for eight in ideal conditions for batting on the back of half-centuries from international rookies Shaun Marsh and David Hussey.
Marsh, who top-scored with a measured 79 off 97 balls, was the cornerstone of Australia's innings early before Hussey accelerated the home side's run rate, hitting 52 at better than a run a ball.
The Proteas, however, gave several reprieves to the home side and will feel they could have restricted Australia to less than 250.
Vaughn van Jaarsveld dropped two chances on his one-day international debut, grassing Ricky Ponting and Hussey, while Marsh was handed a lifeline by Neil McKenzie late in his innings.
South Africa 1st Innings
Batsman Runs 6s 4s Balls
H H Gibbs b Hilfenhaus 22 0 3 28
H M Amla b Tait 1 0 0 3
J H Kallis b ...
