Travis Head's career-best unbeaten 154 was a jaw-dropping assault and, overall, this was a serious flex of the muscles from the world champions given their issues during the buildup.
Australia were supposedly depleted here, Pat Cummins resting back at home and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell all ruled out on the morning of the match with the virus that has swept through their camp. But after a resourceful bowling performance that restricted England to a sub-par 315 all out, Head and Marnus Labuschagne, 77 not out, polished off the target under lights with six overs remaining to claim a1-0 lead in this five-match series.
It made for a chastening start to life as stand-in England captain for Harry Brook, who was one of three victims to the part-time spin of Labuschagne and then had no answers to the flashing blade of Head during the run chase. One chance came and went Brydon Carse, out of position in the deep, nearly pulled off a remarkable diving catch when Head had six-but thereafter it was another masterclass from the opener who sealed that World Cup win in Ahmedabad last November and remains in utterly red-hot form against the white ball.
This story is from the September 20, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the September 20, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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