Shaun Marsh backed up his part in a record-breaking opening partnership with a first-over duck as Australia made a disastrous start to the one-day series against England.

Marsh had combined with Aaron Finch for 246 runs in a thrashing of minnows Scotland last week, an Australian record first-wicket partnership.

But the duo fell 246 short of matching that feat at Old Trafford on Sunday as Marsh followed his career-best 151 by being caught behind off Steve Finn on the fourth ball of the match.

Australia could have been 2-0 after a dramatic opening over that lasted nine minutes, with Shane Watson given out lbw for a first-ball duck before eventually being saved by a lengthy Decision Review System (DRS) challenge.

England captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and chose to bowl as the five-match series began belatedly after the first game in Leeds was washed out without a ball being bowled on Friday.

Marsh, who had kept Phillip Hughes out of the side after making the most of his chance to open against the Scots, was out to a poor shot to quickly end any hopes of another special combination with Finch.

He dangled his bat outside off stump and a thick edge allowed England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler to take a comfortable catch at chest height.

It looked to go from bad to worse for the tourists, with umpire Richard Kettleborough raising his finger after Finn had Watson trapped in front.

Watson looked puzzled after being given out and quickly challenged the decision.

Despite hot spot replays being inconclusive as to whether he got bat on ball before it hit his pads, the decision was overturned by third umpire Aleem Dar.

It left Watson and Finch battling to steady the ship as Australia targeted a strong start in the series after a frustrating UK tour so far.