1st ODI
Australia spinners have a field day despite Ben Duckett’s impressive 95
England scored 315 in 49.4 overs vs Australia.
Australia’s spinners claimed an unprecedented nine out of the ten wickets to fall, marking their highest-ever tally in an ODI, as England were bowled out for 315 in the series opener at Trent Bridge.
Ben Duckett was the top scorer for England but fell agonizingly short of a century, his dismissal becoming a turning point in an innings that saw a dramatic shift in momentum.
England looked well in control at 213/2 in the 33rd over after captain Harry Brook opted to bat first.
However, an astute bowling change by Mitchell Marsh saw Marnus Labuschagne brought into the attack.
Labuschagne made an immediate impact, removing Duckett caught-and-bowled with his fourth delivery.
Though he faced some resistance in his next over, Labuschagne struck again, this time dismissing Brook, who also offered a return catch.
Labuschagne later dismissed Jofra Archer, finishing with figures of 6-0-39-3, a spell that shifted the course of the innings.
This prompted Marsh to rely on spin for over 30 overs, the third-most Australia have ever bowled in an ODI.
Remarkably, no pace bowling was used after the 32nd over, with Travis Head stepping up to claim 2 for 34, ensuring Australia capitalized on a good batting wicket in Nottingham.
Duckett and Phil Salt provided England with a solid start, adding 48 runs before Salt was bowled by debutant Ben Dwarshuis.
Duckett then partnered with Will Jacks (62), building a strong 120-run second-wicket stand.
Duckett reached his fifty in 49 balls, maintaining a steady pace after a fast start, which included a flurry of boundaries off Sean Abbott during the Power Play.
Jacks followed suit, bringing up his fifty in 45 balls and punishing Abbott, who finished with 5-0-50-0.
It was Adam Zampa who broke the partnership by dismissing Jacks during his second spell.
Brook’s entrance seemed promising, but the introduction of Labuschagne turned the tide, leading to a crucial middle-order collapse.
England’s innings faltered in the second half, losing 8 wickets for just 102 runs.
Jacob Bethell’s quickfire 35 off 34 balls pushed the team past 300, giving them a fighting chance in the first of the three ODIs.
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