In the first ODI at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday, September 19, opener Travis Head hit the second-highest score by an Australian against England in ODI cricket, 154 not out off 129 balls. This helped lead the ODI World Cup winners to an easy 7-wicket victory. After hitting 14 fours and three sixes in only 92 balls to achieve his century, Head celebrated in the manner of renowned Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Chris Gayle.

Head completed his ton, then removed his helmet and put it on his handle, just as Gayle used to do. The Australian, who was named “Player of the Match” in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, smashed 20 fours and five sixes to stay undefeated as Mitchell Marsh’s team reached the mark with over six overs remaining.

An explosive but Australia will want more from their talisman opener

Travis Head brings up a ton with a celebration worthy of the feat

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Australia’s 13-game winning streak in one-day international cricket was made feasible despite the fact that the team was missing several regulars because of sickness and injury. “It’s never true; I was fortunate enough to start out.” At the post-game presentation, Head said, “Jofra (Archer) bowled a hell of a spell, but when you can get through it, there are runs on offer, especially on this outfield and pitch.”

We performed well by using various folks and keeping it at 315. The ability to forge alliances and endure Jofra’s first spell was fantastic. There is a defined plan and function within the team, and the atmosphere is excellent. I try to appreciate what I’m doing, and I think it comes through,” the opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad said.

After Glenn Maxwell’s 21 against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup match in Mumbai and David Warner’s 24 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016, Head’s 20 fours in the innings rank him third among Australian batters.

Due to sickness, the Australians were unable to choose Josh Hazlewood or Glenn Maxwell. Ben Dwarshuis, who was bowling only four overs in his ODI debut, also left the team after straining his pectoral muscle in the field. Despite leaving the game too soon, Dwarshuis had already had an effect, taking 1-18 and bringing out Phil Salt for 17 as England’s first wicket to go.

Ben Duckett, the opening batsman for England, raced into his 90s before being caught and bowled by Marnus Labuschagne on 95 (91). Later in the innings, Labuschagne claimed wickets from Jofra Archer (4) and stand-in English captain Harry Brook (39 off 31 balls), culminating in his best ODI bowling performance to date (3/39 off six overs).

“I wish I could claim credit for it. Was a forced change; as their inning progressed, we concluded that pace off was the preferable course of action. Australian captain Mitchell Marsh praised Labuschagne’s bowling, saying, “I thought the way we bowled, especially our part-timers, was fantastic.”