Image Source - X
In the six-match series, England now leads 1-0 due to the outcome. Australia thrashed hosts by seven wickets thanks to Travis Head's brilliant stellan in thriller wins over England at Trent Bridge - ENGLAND: Travis Head plays a shot on his way to 154 not out. In a thrilling first ODI at Trent Bridge, Australia chased England's 315 to secure a seven-wicket win thanks to Travis Head's stunning unbeaten 154 from 129 balls. The aggressive left-handed batter, showing exceptional skill, helped Australia turn the match after England's Ben Duckett fell just short of a century, scoring 95 off 91 deliveries.
Duckett's Near Century Ends in Disappointment
Aggressive players both, Duckett and Head capitalized well on loose deliveries, but while Duckett's innings came to an untimely end, Head kept batting without any let. England was looking for a huge total at 213 for 2 in the 33rd over, but Duckett's dismissal was the signal for a quick fall. The team folded for 315, losing 8 wickets for just 102 runs in 17.1 overs.
Image Source - X
Labuschagne and Zampa ignite the Australian bowling revival
The spinners of Australia did the trick to dismantle the line-up of England. An excellent game-changer, leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne took three wickets for 39 runs off six overs and a big prize was the wicket of Duckett and Harry Brook. Adam Zampa redressed the balance somewhat from the start, taking three wickets for 49 runs at a time when it really mattered to England. The spinners, at the hands of Australia, picked nine wickets in 190 runs in 30.4 overs. Their spin choices were superior to theirs.
Head's Ton Steers Australia's Recovery
Travis Head's sixth ODI century and second against England underpinned Australia's reply. He and Labuschagne, who scored a failure-free 77 from 61 balls, raised an unbroken 148-run partnership and took Australia home with six overs to spare. Australia kept control despite losing Mitchell Marsh early and debutant Jacob Bethell making his mark by dismissing Cameron Green. Steve Smith's aggressive 32 which included three sixes gave Head a platform to settle and anchor the innings for his side.
England's Collapse Undoes Promising Start
There was some hope for the hosts, however, in the 120-run stand between Duckett and Will Jacks. However, poor shot selection and pressure from Australia's spinners tore this away from them. A flat track, however, allowed England not to make much of their good position and crumpled when it mattered, against Australia's attack that seemed well-rounded.
Image Source - X
Archer Returns, England Miss Chances
England got a big talking point in Jofra Archer, who was back to the ODI setup for the first time after nearly 18 months. Though he bowled some unplayable deliveries, he was expensive, going for 53 runs in just six overs. A dropped catch by Brydon Carse in Head's innings also added to England's frustration as they could not keep up with the aggressive chase from Australia.
In the end, it was the superior firepower of batting that won for Australia as they hit ten more sixes than England, which produced only eight and then claimed a decisive victory.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
