Australia sealed a thrilling 3-2 series victory over England in the final One-Day International (ODI) of their five-match series, thanks to an all-round performance from Travis Head, who starred with both bat and ball in a rain-affected contest at Bristol.
England, electing to bat first after losing the toss, looked set for a massive total as opener Ben Duckett (107) and captain Harry Brook (72) shared a dazzling 132-run partnership for the third wicket. Duckett, in fine form, completed his second ODI century, both at Bristol, but England’s momentum fizzled out as Australia’s slow bowlers, led by Head, wreaked havoc.
From a commanding position at 202-2, England collapsed, losing their final eight wickets for just 107 runs to be bowled out for 309 in 49.2 overs. Head, with his part-time off-spin, claimed his best-ever ODI figures of 4-28, including the crucial wickets of Duckett and Adil Rashid, turning the tide decisively in Australia’s favor.
England’s innings had started brightly, with Phil Salt smashing a brisk 45, including consecutive sixes off Aaron Hardie, but Hardie soon got his revenge. Salt’s attempt at a drive over point was caught by Marnus Labuschagne, and Hardie bowled Will Jacks for a duck shortly after. Duckett and Brook then built England’s innings with a series of aggressive strokes, particularly against leg-spinner Adam Zampa, but Brook’s dismissal at 202 proved to be a turning point.
Zampa finished with figures of 2-74, but it was Head’s spin that undid England’s middle and lower order. Duckett, who had been the cornerstone of England’s innings, holed out to Josh Hazlewood off Head shortly after reaching his century, triggering a late collapse.
Australia made a lightning start to their chase, with openers Matthew Short (58) and Head (31) putting on 78 runs in just over seven overs, punishing England’s wayward bowling. Short, in particular, was aggressive, smashing four sixes in his 23-ball fifty before being caught behind off Matthew Potts.
Despite losing Head and Short, Australia remained well ahead of the required rate. When rain intervened after 20.4 overs, Australia had reached 165-2, well in command according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Steven Smith, leading Australia in the absence of the injured Mitchell Marsh, was unbeaten on 36, with Josh Inglis on 28, as the umpires called off play, handing Australia a 49-run victory by DLS and sealing the series.
For England, Brydon Carse was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1-36, but their attack struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive batting, especially in the early stages of the innings.
With this victory, Australia won the five-match series 3-2, showcasing their depth and adaptability in both batting and bowling. Travis Head’s all-round brilliance stood out, helping his team secure a memorable series win.
Score Summary:
England: 309 all out in 49.2 overs (B. Duckett 107, H. Brook 72; T. Head 4-28, A. Hardie 2-38)
Australia: 165-2 in 20.4 overs (M. Short 58, T. Head 31, S. Smith 36*; M. Potts 1-49)
Result: Australia won by 49 runs (DLS method).
Series: Australia won the five-match series 3-2.
