Travis Head powers Australia to big win in first ODI

An impressive showing by the in-form Travis Head at Trent Bridge has handed Australia a seven-wicket victory over England in the first of five ODI’s between the two sides this month.

Head plundered 154 not out in Nottingham on Thursday as Australia chased down England’s target of 316 with a full six overs remaining.

The opener’s tally was the biggest by any Australian against England in one-day cricket and is his sixth century in the format.

“Got a bit lucky at the start of my innings but know if you get through there’s a lot of runs on offer,” Head explained after the match, which Australia had been $1.66 favourites to win with cricket betting sites.

“Thought we played spin exceptionally well.

“I have a bit of a blueprint and a role, enjoy doing my role, play the game a little more relaxed now.”

England rue late collapse

Opting to bat first, England, under the new captaincy of Harry Brook, were looking set for a big total.

The home side had contributions from each of their specialist batsmen, but it was Ben Duckett and Will Jacks who built a strong platform for England early on.

After Phil Salt fell for 17, Jacks and Duckett combined for a partnership of 120, with Jacks eventually falling for 62 from 56.

Duckett would fall to a simple caught and bowled from Marnus Labuschagne five runs short of his second ODI century, but captain Brook and Jamie Smith kept the momentum going.

At 4/256 with 12 overs to go, a big score was on the cards for the hosts.

“We were eyeing up a big score for sure,” reflected Brooks afterwards.

“It wasn’t meant to be.

“It was difficult in the middle against the spinners, was holding in the pitch a little.

“Probably didn’t rotate the strike as well as we wanted and ended up with a below-par score.”

4/256 became 315 all out, as England’s tail was skittled by the Aussie spin, with only one of the last six batsmen making more than the extras tally.

Head helped along by Labuschagne

Set a target of 316, Australia barely broke a sweat.

While Mitchell Marsh fell early, Head had good company along the way to his career-high ODI score.

Steve Smith and Cameron Green both added 32 runs, but it was Labuschagne who provided the support Head needed at the other end of the pitch.

The allrounder – his three wickets warrant such a label – made a handy 77 from 61, motoring Australia along at a rate of 7.20 runs per over.

“Thought it was a great win, especially after the start England got and the way we were able to pull it back, going a man down,” declared Marsh after the match.

“Was a pretty quick last 20 overs from us.”

Australia are firm favourites to win the second ODI on Saturday in Leeds, with PlayUp putting the visitors at $1.57 go 2-0 up.

Sports news