Having endured a difficult Ashes campaign that ended with a 3-1 series defeat, the hosts had hoped for a change of fortunes in limited overs cricket.

However, despite fielding a much-changed XI under the leadership of new captain Cameron White, Australia still came up short in the first Twenty20 International on Wednesday.

Debutant Chris Woakes managed a single from the final ball of the match in Adelaide to give England a dramatic one-wicket win.
Marvellous Morgan

Woakes finished up unbeaten on 19 after the tourists suffered a late batting collapse that was sparked by the departure of key man Eoin Morgan.

The Irish-born left-hander had looked set to be England’s finisher once again until a mis-hit drive saw him caught at cover having made 43 from 33 balls.

Still, it was a welcome chance to enjoy some time in the middle for Morgan, who, amazingly, didn’t show any signs of rustiness despite facing just 17 balls in his two months Down Under.

“Morgs has been superb in Twenty20 and one-day cricket,” Twenty20 skipper Paul Collingwood said.

“We probably keep leaving it up to him a bit too much if we are honest, but he showed his class again.

“He’s been waiting in the wings and is very patient but when it comes to this form of the game he’s a special talent.”

While England are riding the crest of a wave – the victory at the Adelaide Oval was their eighth in a row in Twenty20 cricket, a new world record – their opponents are just desperate for any kind of success right now.

Another defeat in Melbourne would see Australia set an unwanted record of their own – they have never lost more than five T20 games on the bounce.

Shane Watson did all he could to end their barren run on Wednesday; the all-rounder hit a breezy 59 with the bat and then claimed 4-15 with the ball.

The 29-year-old was disappointed to be beaten in such a thrilling game but admits cricket has been put into perspective recently by what is going on in his hometown of Ipswich, Queensland.

Emerging fly-half Owen Farrell, son of former England international Andy, headlines the list – although he will face competition from new signing Charlie Hodgson for the No.10 jersey next season.

Hooker Jamie George, lock George Kruis, flanker Jackson Wray, scrum-half Luke Baldwin and winger James Short have also agreed to stay.

And director of rugby Mark McCall believes the rising stars are the future of the club.

McCall said: “There’s no doubt we have a really special group of youngsters at the club.

“It’s exciting to see them develop as players on the field in the Premiership and also as individuals off the field thriving within our personal development programme.

“They are the future of Saracens, and the future is now.”

Sheridan had been strongly linked to a move to France at the end of the season.

However the 31-year-old, who moved to the Sharks in 2003 from Bristol, has opted to commit his immediate future to Sale.

The move comes hot on the announcement former player and coach Steve Diamond would be returning as executive director of sport.

And Diamond is delighted to be teaming up with the player he first signed for Sale.

Diamond said: “I am very pleased Andrew has re-signed for the club.

“I remember watching him develop as a player and knew he was going to be one of the best as his career progressed.

“I have followed his progress with interest and am looking to build a team around Sherri and Mark Cueto who has also been a loyal servant to the club down the years.”