England broke their own world record for the highest ODI total when they pummelled and pulverised Australia for 481 runs off 50 overs to go 3-0 up with two to play. No better way for England to acquire an awe-inspiring charisma as favourites for the World Cup a year from now.

On this same ground two years ago England had scored 444 for three against Pakistan. This time they sailed past their own world record with 33 balls in hand. In professional cricket only Surrey have got closer to 500, when they scored 496 at the Oval with a very short boundary to one side, and only New Zealand Women have scored more in an ODI, when they hit Ireland for 490 for four earlier this month.

Nobody could have trashed wayward bowling better than Alex Hales did in the course of his 147 off 92 balls, or Eoin Morgan, who personally set a record by making the quickest 50 for England in terms of balls, only 20.

But the demolition was begun by Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow who are, simply, the best opening pair England have had in their 47 years of one-day international cricket, given the way Roy has improved in the last two games.

With superlative strokeplay Roy and Bairstow hit Australia’s pace bowlers - and Billy Stanlake and Jhye Richardson could grow into serious Test bowlers - off their length.