Travis Head’s stunning career-best 154 not out led weakened world champions Australia to a seven-wicket victory against England in the first one-day international on Thursday at Trent Bridge.
Travis Head’s magnificent career-best 154 not out saw depleted world champions Australia to a seven-wicket triumph against England in the first one-day international at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Australia, set 316 for victory, concluded on 317-3 with six overs to spare as they moved 1-0 ahead in a five-match series to make it 13 ODI wins in a row against all opponents. Marnus Labuschagne, who lost the toss, was Australia’s unlikely hero earlier in the match when he used the ball.England were on 201-2 off 30 overs and looking at a massive total as Ben Duckett attempted to reach a century at home.
However, Labuschagne, a part-time leg-spinner, bowled left-hander Duckett, who went out for 95 after being caught and bowled. Shortly after, Labuschagne dismissed Harry Brook, who had been out for 39 in his debut innings as England captain, in a similar manner.
With England falling victim to spin, Labuschagne returned ODI-best figures of 3-39 as they lost their final six wickets for 59 runs.
Adam Zampa, the team’s first-choice leg-spinner, scored 3-49 in his ten overs to mark his 100th ODI.
After that, Labuschagne finished off a fantastic all-around performance with a partnership of 148 with fellow 30-year-old Head that included 77 not out off 61 balls.
However, if Head had been caught early in his innings, the result would have been different. The player of the match, Jofra Archer, told Sky Sports, “I got lucky and he bowled a hell of a spell at the start.” I’m glad I can go on.”
