Australia easily defeated England by seven wickets at Trent Bridge on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series thanks to opener Travis Head career-best performance.
With six overs remaining, the tourists reached 317/3, surpassing the target of 316 to win. Head’s 154* was the highest score ever by an Australian batsman against England at an English ground.
The fact that so many players were missing due to illness and injuries added to the success, which marked Australia’s 13th straight ODI triumph against all opponents.
The Australians lost ODI rookie Ben Dwarshuis after he damaged his pectoral muscle on the field after bowling just four overs. They were also unable to choose Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell due to sickness.
Despite leaving the game early, Dwarshuis had an early effect as he took 1-18 and removed England’s opening wicket, Phil Salt, for 17.
On 95 (91) Ben Duckett, another English opener, had a greater effect as he breezed into the 90s before hitting a tame caught and bowled to Marnus Labuschagne.
Will Jacks’ 62(56) and rookie Jacob Bethell’s 35(34) contributed to making the Australians a difficult target, but Head and Labuschagne persisted in response.
After smashing 77* off 61 balls with seven fours and two sixes, Labuschagne finished off a fantastic individual performance.
