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Australia started their ODI series against England with a convincing 7-wicket win in the first game at Trent Bridge, chasing down a target of 316 with ease. Led by a remarkable century from Travis Head, the visitors secured a comfortable victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Liam Livingstone’s animated celebration after taking Steve Smith’s wicket
During Australia’s chase, expectations were high from former skipper Steve Smith. He did lay the foundation by smashing three sixes, reaching 32 off 28 balls and looking for a big innings. However, Liam Livingstone ruined his plans by dismissing the Aussie caught and bowled during the 16th over.
The dismissal occurred on the third ball when Livingstone delivered a tossed-up delivery around the middle stump, and Smith attempted to flick it to the leg side. However, the ball spun and turned, resulting in a leading edge that went back to the bowler. Livingstone took a simple catch and what followed was a wild celebration. The Englishman kicked the ball into the air and appeared in animation as he bagged a prized scalp.
Here is the video:
Bowl it 💪 Catch it 🤲
Kick it 🦶 @liaml4893 😅 pic.twitter.com/fATKsDfqPl— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 19, 2024
Also READ: Travis Head’s stellar knock in record chase propels Australia to win over England in the 1st ODI
England’s strong start falls short
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England posted a competitive total of 315 in 49.4 overs. Ben Duckett led the way with a well-crafted 95 off 91 balls, anchoring the innings with support from Will Jacks, who contributed a brisk 62 off 56 balls. Contributions from Harry Brook (39) and Jacob Bethell (35) helped push England past the 300-run mark, but frequent wickets in the middle overs slowed their momentum.
Australia’s bowlers were put under pressure early, but Adam Zampa‘s 3-wicket haul and Marnus Labuschagne‘s unexpected 3-fer helped restrict England from accelerating in the death overs. Head also chipped in with two vital wickets, helping Australia bowl out England just short of their 50 overs.
Travis Head’s masterclass leads Australia to victory
In reply, Australia got off to a steady start despite losing Mitchell Marsh early for 10. Head took control of the innings with a sensational 154 off 129 balls, peppering the boundary with 20 fours and 5 sixes. His partnership with Labuschagne, who scored an impressive 77 off 61 balls, was the cornerstone of Australia’s chase. Together, they added 183 runs for the third wicket, effectively taking the game away from England.
Despite some efforts from England’s bowlers, particularly Jacob Bethell and Matthew Potts who took a wicket each, they struggled to contain the Australian batters. Head’s innings dominated the chase, and Australia reached the target in just 44 overs, with Smith (32) and Cameron Green (32) providing valuable support.
