Aussies shake off the rust to fire a warning at England

AUSTRALIA'S quest to unify cricket's world titles began in serene fashion overnight, as a fine all-round performance from Marcus Stoinis ensured a 39-run victory over minnows Oman.

- Malik Ouzia

Having won both the World Test Championship and 50-over World Cup last year, the Aussies are seeking to add the T20 equivalent and, in the process, become the first team to hold all three trophies at once.

There was a brief moment of alarm in Barbados when, after scratchy starts from the top order, captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell were out in successive balls to leave their side 50 for three midway through the ninth over, but Stoinis arrived to hit 67 from 36 to push the total to 164 for five.

The 34-year-old then claimed three wickets as the standout in a bowling attack missing the rested Pat Cummins as Oman were restricted to 125 for nine in reply.