Head's record knock powers Australia to ODI series lead

Despite fielding a depleted side, Head and Labuschagne secure Australia’s 13th consecutive ODI victory

NOTTINGHAM:

Travis Head scored an unbeaten 154 and Marnus Labuschagne added an undefeated 77 as Australia successfully chased down an imposing target of 316 runs, defeating England by seven wickets in the first of their five-match One Day International series at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

Australia reached 317-3 with six overs remaining, after having bowled England out for 315 in 49.4 overs. It marked Australia's 13th consecutive ODI victory, and their sixth in a row against England, despite being forced to field a weakened side due to illness and injury in their camp.

Head’s top ODI score, achieved in 129 balls with 20 fours and five sixes, was well supported by Labuschagne, who had earlier played a key role in curbing England's strong start to the match.

England, having won the toss and opted to bat, saw Ben Duckett fall just five runs short of a century, while Will Jacks made a quick 62 from 56 balls. The pair shared a 120-run partnership for the second wicket, leaving England well-placed at 213-2 in the 33rd over.

However, as Australia sought to halt the run flow, with debutant Ben Dwarshuis unable to continue after just four overs due to a chest injury, they turned to part-time bowler Labuschagne, who slowed England's momentum. Labuschagne dismissed Duckett with a leg-break that deceived him, resulting in an easy caught-and-bowled. Labuschagne followed this with two more wickets, including England captain Harry Brook, who was caught and bowled for 39. He ended with figures of 3-39 from six overs.

Spinner Adam Zampa, who had been expensive in his first three overs, came back to claim 3-49, as England collapsed, losing their final eight wickets for 102 runs in 17 overs. They were bowled out just two balls short of their 50-over limit, with Head, the eighth Australian bowler used, taking two wickets in two balls in the final over.

Despite this, England's total was boosted by a cameo from 20-year-old debutant Jacob Bethell, who scored a brisk 35.

In reply, Australia lost captain Mitchell Marsh early, and when Steve Smith was dismissed at 96-2 in the 16th over, the tourists appeared to be in some difficulty. However, Head continued to punish the bowling attack, and his unbeaten 148-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Labuschagne ensured Australia reached the target comfortably.

The second ODI between the two sides is scheduled to take place at Headingley in Leeds on Saturday.