ODI record innings "incredibly special" – Roy

England batsman Jason Roy described his match-winning innings in the first ODI against Australia as "incredibly special". The opener struck a record 180 from 151 balls to help his side overhaul the hosts' 304 at the MCG, breaking many records in the process.

Roy's score is the highest by an English batsman in the 50-over format, surpassing Alex Hales' 171 against Pakistan in 2016, while he also passed Mark Waugh's 173 as the highest individual score on the ground in ODI cricket. He survived a few close calls, top-edging some short balls to safety, as well as living dangerously when running between the wickets, while he also successfully overturned an lbw decision against leg-spinner Adam Zampa on 91.

But he scored freely all around the ground, striking 16 fours and five sixes to reaffirm his place at the top of the England batting card after a difficult 2017 in which he was dropped during the ICC Champions Trophy.

"It was a huge honour to be out there for England again and to get a score," he said. "Obviously I'm honoured to be selected. Last season was tough for me. To be selected this time was incredibly special and hopefully that was just a little blip in a long career."

Roy looked to have injured his hand after slipping when running between the wicket, but the 27-year-old confirmed he will be fit to play in the second ODI in Brisbane on Friday.

England captain Eoin Morgan was delighted by Roy, who put on a partnership of 221 with Joe Root (91*) to keep the required run-rate below six runs per over throughout. Despite losing some late wickets the tourists completed five-wicket win with seven balls to spare.

"When he scores runs he's imposing at the crease and today was no different," Morgan said. "He's done it for quite a while. He had a tough summer with us but he's come back very well. It really does summarise his character. He's always been a part of our plans even when we left him out, which was a tough decision. With our top three, moving Joe to four was a big decision but it proved profitable today. Our batting line-up looks quite long now."

Australia reached 304/8 from their 50 overs thanks to contributions from Aaron Finch (107), Marcus Stoinis (60) and Mitchell Marsh (50). England had to complete the highest successful ODI run-chase at the MCG to win, but Morgan said his side were not fazed by the task.

"I certainly would've taken it (304) at the start; 300 these days isn't quite a big total to chase down, certainly in the last couple of years we've found ourselves on the right side of it. It wasn't a huge task. Obviously it was built around Jason's incredible innings but I've no doubt someone else would've put their hand up if Jason hadn't."

Australia captain Steve Smith hailed Roy's innings, but felt his side could have posted a higher first-innings total, with spinner Moeen Ali only going for 39 runs from his 10-over spell.

"It was some innings from Roy," he said. "He played spectacularly well. He chanced his arm and it came off tonight and he was supported well by Root. But we left ourselves a few runs short. We lost some wickets in the middle overs and it meant we probably couldn't go hard at the back end and get the 340-350 that we were after."

Smith said fast bowler Pat Cummins is likely to be rested for the next ODI, meaning Josh Hazlewood will return to the side after sitting out of the first game.