Travis Head has looked every inch the world’s best white-ball batter as he guided an ailing Australian team to a seven-wicket stroll in the first ODI against England with a dazzling, record-breaking century at Trent Bridge.
The irrepressible left-hander blitzed his way to an unbeaten 154 on Thursday, the highest innings ever made by an Aussie batter in an ODI in England, as the depleted visitors made light of the illness and injuries in their camp to race to 3-317, reaching their target with six overs remaining.
The 30-year-old World Cup final hero Head, continuing a patch that has become ever more purple over the past 18 months, was aided by the return of a masterful old stager, Marnus Labuschagne (77no) accompanying him in an unbroken match-winning partnership of 148.
“I’ve worked extremely hard over a few years and probably play the game a little bit more relaxed now, and take it for what it is,” smiled Head, who was dropped by Brydon Carse at deep point in the fourth over – a sharp one-handed half-chance off Matthew Potts – when he had scored just six.
“I got a bit lucky, obviously. Jof (Jofra Archer) also bowled a hell of a spell at the start, but if you can get through, there’s a lot of runs on offer. So nice that I could contribute.”
Head went on to smite 20 fours and five sixes off 129 balls, with England looking demoralised as early as the 30th over when their moustachioed tormentor reached three figures off 92 deliveries.
Labuschagne enjoyed a uniquely splendid allround game, taking 3-39, as well as four catches, before his half-century.
It all proved an unlikely cakewalk for Mitch Marsh’s world champions, considering the skipper had to rely on his part-time spinners, headed by Labuschagne, to help world-class tweaker Adam Zampa, on his 100th ODI appearance, bowl out the hosts for a marginally sub-par total of 315 off 49.4 overs.
“I’m very happy,” said Marsh. “That was a great win, especially after the start England got, and the way we were able to pull it back.”
This was a spirited Aussie fightback after ODI debutant pacer Ben Dwarshuis, himself only included because key strike bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were both unwell, could only bowl four overs before picking up a pectoral injury.
England, who batted first after stand-in captain Harry Brook won the toss, had eyed a massive score once opener Ben Duckett lashed 95 and Will Jacks 62 on a Trent Bridge belter.
But Australia took the last eight wickets for 102 as Marsh, making a bewildering number of bowling changes, squeezed the best out of his happy band of occasional spinners.
Labuschagne couldn’t have looked more ecstatic, making two key caught-and-bowled interventions to get rid of Duckett and Brook (39 off 31) just when they were in full flow.
“I’d love to take credit for it – no, it was a forced change,” laughed the captain about Labuschagne’s introduction.
“The longer the innings went on, we thought that pace off was certainly a better option. A bit of a gut feeling.
“I thought the way we bowled, especially our part-timers, was fantastic.”
Head also grabbed the last two wickets in successive deliveries – a fact he was gleeful to point out in his player-of-the-match presentation – while Matt Short earlier got the dangerous Jamie Smith for 23.
Zampa, after England’s top order went after him initially, inevitably discovered his innings-wrecking mojo, ending with 3-49, including the key breakthrough of Jacks, caught at cover by a leaping Steve Smith.
The visiting slow bowlers contributed 30.4 of the 49.4 overs, finishing with combined figures of 9-190. Never before had Australia’s spinners taken nine wickets in a one-day international.
Archer, in his first ODI in 18 months, had a terrific duel with Head, who he beat all ends up before the Aussie later pulled him for six. It promises to be a key contest over the next four ODIs.
Smith (32), who got his usual pantomime boos, also hooked Archer for a top-edged six – one of three he struck – in their first clash since their infamous 2019 Ashes battle.
Australia's Spinners Take Centre Stage
The turning point of the match was Australia’s ability to turn the tide with their spinners, led by the irrepressible Adam Zampa. Zampa’s wickets of Will Jacks and Liam Livingstone proved pivotal in stifling England’s momentum, while Marnus Labuschagne’s performance as an off-spinner also played a crucial role in the victory.
Labuschagne's Unexpected Heroics
Labuschagne’s success as a part-time bowler highlighted Australia’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity. His spin bowling, combined with Zampa’s experience and Mitch Marsh’s smart bowling changes, effectively stifled England’s scoring rate and set up the victory. Labuschagne’s all-round performance – 3-39 with the ball and 77 not out with the bat – made him a worthy contributor to the Australian victory.
Head's Dominance Continues
Travis Head's dominance in the white-ball format has become a familiar sight. His record-breaking innings in the first ODI cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. Head’s ability to score runs at a rapid pace, as demonstrated in his century against England, makes him a crucial asset for Australia in all formats.
The Case for Opening
Head's phenomenal white-ball form has fueled speculation about his suitability as an opening batsman in Test cricket. His ability to dominate against pace bowling, coupled with his recent success in Tests in India, make him a compelling option for the opening slot.
A Triumphant Start
The first ODI win marked a triumphant start for Australia in the five-match series. The victory, despite the challenges of illness and injury within the team, showcased the depth and resilience of the Australian squad. The team's ability to adapt and overcome adversity, along with Travis Head's brilliance, makes them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming ODIs.
