Broad strikes a double blow to Aussies

England allrounder Stuart Broad claimed two wickets in two balls to remove Australian opener David Warner and No.3 Shane Watson after the home side got off to a flying start in their World Cup opener at the MCG.

With Australia humming along at 0/57 in the eigthth over after being sent in to bat, Broad completely turned the momentum in England's favour with two brilliant deliveries.

First up, the right-hand seamer bowled Warne with a peach of a delivery just as the left-hand power hitter was beginning dictate terms with a quick-fire 22.

Then with the next ball he confounded Watson with a full delivery that cut away from the Aussie right-hander and found his edge for simple catch to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

Steve Smith was dismissed three overs later when he was bowled by Chris Woakes for 5 with the score 3/70.

The double blow proved the perfect tonic after England had missed two early chances, with Aaron Finch dropped by Chris Woakes in the first over before he had got off the mark.

Spin bowler Moeen Ali then failed to get a hand on a diving catch from Warner in the fifth over, but fortunately that missed chance did not prove too costly.