Eoin Morgan hails Old Trafford century-maker James Taylor

Eoin Morgan admitted he has found James Taylor "annoying" in the past, but lauded England's number three after a maiden ODI hundred helped them back into the series with Australia.

Taylor made a watchful 101, much of which was compiled in a 119-run union with captain Morgan for the third wicket.

The diminutive Nottinghamshire man's quick running between the wickets was crucial - he only hit five boundaries - and Morgan revelled in seeing Taylor's unorthodox approach, which has frustrated him previously in domestic action, help England move the series score to a 2-1 deficit.

"Absolutely outstanding performance," Morgan beamed, with Taylor onlooking in the room.

"We've spoken about guys going on throughout this series and today it was a crucial innings.

"I think the wicket became more difficult to play on as the innings progressed and James adapted beautifully.

"He's very unique the way he plays and, having played against him a lot in county cricket, he can be annoying to captain against, which is always a good sign if he gets runs."

Morgan also had spinners Moeen Ali (3-32) and Adil Rashid (2-41) to thank as they capitalised on a turning pitch to remove arguably Australia's four best batsmen - powerful opener Aaron Finch, captain Steve Smith and middle-order danger men George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell.

"They were exceptional," Morgan added.

"I think 5-70 in 20 [overs between them] or something around there was outstanding, considering in the last couple of games we've struggled to take wickets in the middle period.

"They took advantage of conditions, they never let up, they probably bowled one or two bad balls in those 20 overs and, more importantly, they continued to put Australia batsmen under pressure.

"I suppose as a side we were up against it a little bit and to come out today and produce such a strong performance all-round was brilliant."