England captain Eoin Morgan insists that his involvement in a lurid blackmail plot has not distracted him from the job at hand, despite being dismissed first ball in yesterday’s Tri-Series defeat to Australia.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) lifted the lid on Thursday on an Australian’s attempt to use details of a brief relationship from Morgan’s past to squeeze a reported £35,000 from the organisation.

The ECB said it received an email from an Australian man demanding the money to prevent him revealing details regarding a relationship Morgan had with a woman five years ago to newspapers in Britain and Australia.

ECB officials in Australia approached the Tasmanian after discussions with the Metropolitan Police.

The man concerned, who is in a relationship with the woman, admitted and apologised for his actions when confronted.

He contacted a Melbourne newspaper admitting he was the man involved and saying he was in possession of “sexually based” messages exchanged between his partner and the 28-year-old.

Although the issue created headlines in England and Australia, the ECB plan no more action against the man involved “at this stage.”

Less than 24 hours after the story emerged, Morgan led his side out against Australia in Hobart.

The day did not provide any light relief for the Dubliner, who was dismissed for a golden duck and saw his side slip to a three-wicket defeat.

Australia’s Steve Smith, in his first game as ODI captain, masterminded a thrilling chase.

England’s 303 for eight was their highest total in 20 one-day international innings, largely thanks to record-breaker Ian Bell’s superb 141, but Smith’s nerveless 102 not out helped Australia home with a ball to spare.

England were partial authors of their own downfall, setting a wonderful platform of 244 for two having been sent in by Smith only to lose six wickets for 59 in the last 10 overs.

Bell could not have done any more, scoring 15 fours and a six as he eclipsed Paul Collingwood’s career tally of 5,092 to become England’s top one-day run-scorer.

But Smith, deputising for both Michael Clarke and George Bailey in a depleted Australian line-up, had a wonderful response.

Smith continued on top form, having hit four centuries in as many Tests against India in recent weeks.

England can still join their rivals in the Tri-Series final with victory over India in Perth, but by then Australia should be boosted yet further by the returns of Mitchell Johnson, David Warner, Bailey and Shane Watson.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Morgan remained confident: “I think the template is right but executing it is going to be a challenge throughout the 100 overs.”