ENG vs AUS, 5th ODI Review: Travis Head’s masterclass ensures series win for visitors

England and Australia took on each other in the fifth and final ODI of their series. Both sides locked horns at the County Ground, Bristol, on September 29. Ahead of the fifth ODI, the series was levelled, with Australia having won the first two matches and England having won the third and fourth ODIs. 

It all came down to the fifth ODI, and the clash began with England coming in to bat first after losing the toss. The side got off to a brilliant start to the game as openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett scored 45 and 107 runs, respectively. Will Jacks departed for a duck, where skipper Harry Brook continued his form, amassing 72 runs in 52 deliveries. 

Furthermore, Jamie Smith added six runs on the board, with Jacob Bethell scoring 13 and Adil Rashid adding 36 runs on the board, as England posted a total of 309 runs in the first innings of the game. As for Australia, Travis Head was the highest wicket-taker for his side in the first innings. 

The ace batter took four brilliant wickets, alongside Aaron Hardie, Adam Zampa, and Glenn Maxwell, who took two wickets each to their name.

DLS method ensures victory for Australia

Aiming to chase down a target of 310 runs, Australia opened their innings with Matthew Short and Travis Head amassing 58 and 31 runs, respectively. Furthermore, Steve Smith and Josh Inglis stayed unbeaten on scores of 36 and 28 runs, respectively, before rain played spoilsport. 

In an extended period of showers, no further play was possible, and the game was called off. Australia were given the win as they were ahead according to the DLS method. Scoring 165 runs with the loss of two wickets in 20.4 overs, Australia won the game by 49 runs and clinched the five-game series. As for England, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts were the wicket-takers, with one wicket each to their name.