Aus vs Eng T20 series | England win first T20I against Australia in a high-scoring thriller

England openers Alex Hales and captain Jos Buttler smashed a new-look Australian attack in a brutal display of power hitting as they helped England to 208-6.

England went one up in their three-match Twenty20 series against Australia with a thrilling eight-run win in Perth on Sunday.

After Australia were set an imposing 209 for victory, the home side at one stage looked like pulling off an unlikely win on the back of a fine 73 from David Warner and some big hitting from Marcus Stoinis.

But some inspired fast bowling in the latter stages from Mark Wood (3-34) and Sam Curran (2-35) saw England home as Australia finished their 20 overs eight runs short.

Earlier, England openers Alex Hales and captain Jos Buttler smashed a new-look Australian attack to all parts of the ground in a brutal display of power hitting as they helped England to 208-6.

While Australia threatened several times, the English were able to strike at key moments to stay on top.

"Australia played really well -- they put us under a lot of pressure," Buttler said.

"We were favourites for large parts of that chase and we needed to take wickets, which is what we did."