Bristol: The Australian spinners, notably Travis Head and Matthew Short, delivered exceptional bowling performances, particularly Head, who contributed a fiery fifty, alongside Short, as the world champions clinched a series victory over England. This was achieved by prevailing by 49 runs, thanks to the Duckworth Lewis method, in the fifth and final over of the ODI series on Monday.
Australia emerged triumphant in the five-match series, securing a 3-2 victory. Opting to bat first, Australia was met with a spirited start from England's openers, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, who together helped England cross the 50-run mark in just six overs. Salt, however, departed early in his innings with a commendable 45 runs from 27 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Aaron Hardie was the first to dismiss him, followed by Will Jacks. England was then at 70/2 after eight overs.
England continued its aggressive approach, reaching the 100-run mark in just 15 overs. A commendable partnership was formed between Duckett and captain Harry Brook, with Brook demonstrating exceptional skill. Duckett achieved his first half-century of the match in 45 balls, scoring eight fours.
The partnership extended to 150 runs in just 19.4 overs. Brook then achieved his third consecutive score of fifty or more, scoring 39 runs from just 39 balls, including five fours. This partnership was ended prematurely when Adam Zampa dismissed Brook for 72 runs from 52 balls, including three sixes. Glenn Maxwell made an impressive catch at long-off. England was then at 202/3 after 25 overs.
Following this, the Australian spin trio of Maxwell, Zampa, and Head took control of the match, resulting in quick wickets. Adil Rashid put up a slight challenge with 36 runs from 35 balls, including four boundaries, while Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell all failed to score.
England was eventually dismissed for 309 runs in 49.2 overs. Head was the top performer for Australia, taking four wickets. Hardie, Zampa, and Maxwell each took two wickets.
In the pursuit of victory, Australia commenced its innings with a commendable start, led by the opening batsmen Travis Head and Matthew Short. The duo demonstrated exceptional prowess, amassing significant runs in the fourth to sixth over.
The pace-setter, Olly Stone, encountered a setback in his fourth over, conceding 16 runs, which included a boundary by Head and sixes by Short. The following over saw Short score 14 runs, including two fours and a six. Travis managed to preserve a strong partnership with Jack Jack, scoring 20 runs in the sixth over, which included two fours and two sixes. Australia reached the milestone of 50 runs in just over five overs.
Byrdon Carse emerged as the breakthrough moment for Australia, dismissing Head for 31 runs in 26 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. Salt made a remarkable catch. Australia was then 78/1 in just over seven overs.
The Australian team continued to build on its momentum, reaching the 100-run mark in just over ten overs.
In a significant over, Carse delivered a powerful six over the middle of the wicket, Short achieved his maiden ODI fifty in just 23 balls, with six fours and four sixes. However, the partnership between Steve Smith and Short was cut short by Jamie Smith's excellent catch behind the wickets. Short was dismissed for 58 runs in just 30 balls, with seven fours and four sixes. Australia was then 118/2 in just over 12 overs.
The partnership between Smith (36* in 48 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Inglis (28* in 20 balls, with two fours and two sixes) was flourishing, yet the game was interrupted by rain. Australia was leading by 49 runs according to the DLS method and emerged victorious.
Head was honored with the 'Player of the Match' award for his exceptional performance across all fronts. He also clinched the 'Player of the Series' award for his remarkable tally of 248 runs, including a knock of 154*.
