Cricket: Winning start for Australia

Australia opened their tour of South Africa on a winning note despite a brilliant 133 off 121 deliveries by Neil McKenzie yesterday.

The touring team beat a mixture of up-and-coming and retired players by 19 runs in a relaxed one-day game with no over limitations against the diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer's Invitation XI at his private ground at Randjesfontein, outside Johannesburg.

Australia were given a fine start of 124 by their openers, Matthew Hayden and Matthew Elliot. Hayden made 60 from 65 balls with five fours and two sixes, Elliot hit 91 off 106 balls with four fours and four sixes.

Mark Taylor declared at 284 for 6, and Australia seemed set for victory when the Invitation XI slumped to 114 for 5 after Paul Reiffel removed both openers, but McKenzie stole the individual batting honours, smashing 19 fours and a six to lift the hosts to 265 all out.