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SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND, Australia, Wednesday - Australia drew first blood winning the first of the best of three finals by beating England in a nail biting finish by 10 runs under lights here today. In reply to Australia's 232 for 8, England were dismissed for 222 in the last over.

At one state England were cruising to victory when they were 198 for 4 with Nasser Hussain and Vince Wells going well. Then a sudden rush of blood made Hussain to dance down the wicket to Warne and was stumped which saw England lose 6 wickets for 24 and concede the game to Australia which they could have won easily.

Warne started the slump by getting Hussain and next ball had Adam Hollioake lbw. From this stage England were struggling. Glen McGrath who revels in bowling in a situation like this came back to wipe off the tail and he bowled last man Mullaly with four balls to spare much to the delight of the Australian supporters who danced the jig.

There was no doubt that England lost this game owing to the insensible dismissal of Hussain. Not only did he throw away his wicket he was also instrumental in the running out of Greame Hick for 42 when the batsman was looking set for yet another big score.

Vince Wells who seemed to be taking England to victory with Hussain also threw away his wicket for a well made 33.

McGrath finished 4 for 45, Warne 2 for 40 and Adam Dale 2 for 33.

It rained heavily here and a prompt start did not seem likely. At one stage discussions were held between officials of the New South Wales Cricket Association to play this game on the reserve day. But it stopped raining on the eve of the game and the ground staff did a wonderful job working throughout the night, using the super sopper to drain out the water. More than 60 mm of rain fell on the ground in 24 hours.

Shane Warne won the toss and took first strike. The wicket which had been kept covered played well but was on the slow side and free stroke-making was not possible. The outfield too had recovered well, although it was not on the fast side.

Adam Gilchrist who was dropped off a sitter when he was on 5 by Adam Hollioake off Allan Mullally and total on 7, profited and with Mark Waugh gave the Aussies a brisk start putting on 40, before Gilchrist edged one on to his stumps from Darren Gough. Waugh who was batting well went for 42 off 56 balls. Gilchrist made 29 in 30 balls.

The Aussies kept losing wickets. Ricky Ponting went for 14, Darren Lehmann for 19, Damien Martyn for 21, Shane Lee for 12, Brendon Julian for 12 and Shane Warne for 9. In between Michael Bevan played another great innings that he is now famous for. Bevan a wristy player has tbe ability to pick the gaps and it was amazing to see him taking off side deliveries to leg.

His innings was studded with six fours and came in 74 deliveries. Bevan is not in the Aussie squad to the Caribbean for the Test series. But will certainly be called up for the one-day series. He hooked with tremendous power when the ball was pitched short. Bevan has had a tremendous one-day series so far and should add to his stature as his career progresses.

Of the England bowlers, it was part timer Vince Wells with his gentle medium pacers who tore throughout the early Australian batting and had them struggling for runs. He had three wickets, with Ealham and Gough chipping in with two each.

Before the game began there was the sad news that Mark Alleyne's father had died in a car crash in Barbados. Alleyne flew to Barbados to attend the funeral and the England team wore black arm bands as a mark of respect.