Travis Head’s scintillating unbeaten century (154*) and an all-round performance from Marnus Labuschagne (77* & 3-39) propelled Australia to a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the opening ODI at Trent Bridge. Chasing a challenging target of 316, Australia reached the target comfortably with six overs to spare, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Head and Labuschagne.
Australia started the chase on a shaky note, losing captain Mitchell Marsh early to Matthew Potts, but Head steadied the ship, forming crucial partnerships along the way. He first combined with Steve Smith to add 76 runs, followed by a 73-run stand with Cameron Green. Head, who smashed 20 boundaries and 5 sixes, brought up his sixth ODI century off 92 balls and accelerated further, joining forces with Labuschagne to put on an unbeaten 148-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This left England captain Harry Brook searching for answers on his captaincy debut.
Labuschagne, who came to the crease with Australia in a precarious position, played a steady hand, rotating the strike and finding the boundary when needed. The duo’s partnership effectively neutralized England’s bowling attack, with spinners Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell struggling to make breakthroughs on a dry Nottingham pitch. England’s bowlers, particularly Rashid, went wicketless, as the visitors took control.
Earlier, England had looked strong with a commanding start. Brook opted to bat first, and the hosts reached 213/2 in the 33rd over. Ben Duckett top-scored with 95, while Will Jacks contributed a fluent 62. The two put on a 120-run partnership for the second wicket, with Duckett playing a steady hand after Phil Salt fell early to Ben Dwarshuis. However, the game turned when Marsh introduced Labuschagne into the attack.
Labuschagne, who was brought on in the 33rd over, made an immediate impact, dismissing Duckett and Brook in consecutive overs, both via caught-and-bowled efforts. He later added Jofra Archer’s wicket to cap off a brilliant spell that triggered England’s collapse. England lost their last 8 wickets for just 102 runs, despite Jacob Bethell’s late contribution of 35 off 34 balls. Adam Zampa also played a key role in dismantling England’s middle order, finishing with figures of 3-49.
Despite a strong start, England’s batting faltered in the latter half of their innings, with Australia’s spinners taking center stage. Travis Head’s contribution wasn’t limited to his batting; he also chipped in with 2-34, helping restrict England to 315. Australia’s decision to use over 30 overs of spin—one of their highest totals in recent times—proved to be a game-changer, especially after debutant Ben Dwarshuis left the field due to a pectoral muscle injury.
Brief Scores:
England: 315 all out in 49.4 overs (Ben Duckett 95, Will Jacks 62; Marnus Labuschagne 3-39, Adam Zampa 3-49)
Australia: 317/3 in 44 overs (Travis Head 154*, Marnus Labuschagne 77*; Jacob Bethell 1-20)
Australia lead the five-match series 1-0, with Head and Labuschagne delivering a stellar all-round performance to outclass England in all departments.