Travis Head’s impressive knock of 59 and Adam Zampa’s economical bowling helped Australia secure a 28-run win against England in the first T20I in Southampton on Wednesday.
Head’s blistering 23-ball innings, featuring eight fours and four sixes, laid the foundation for Australia’s seemingly modest total of 179 all out. However, Zampa’s tidy figures of 2-20 and the combined efforts of Australia’s bowlers ensured England fell short, bowled out for 151, giving Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"It was a nice start," said Head, named Man of the Match. "For me, it was about using the pace well, which I think I did."
England’s stand-in captain Phil Salt, leading in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler, admitted: "Everything about captaincy was good apart from the result." Salt also acknowledged the challenge of facing Head, saying, "When the ball starts flying like that, it’s all about shutting him down."
Australia’s captain Mitchell Marsh praised the contributions of Head and opening partner Matthew Short, calling their start "exciting," and commended the bowling of Zampa and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. "We’re lucky to have guys like Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood in our team, especially for the younger players to learn from," Marsh said.
However, Australia had a setback when paceman Xavier Bartlett left the field with a thigh injury. Marsh expressed hope that the injury was not severe.
England struggled in their chase, collapsing to 52-4 within the first eight overs. Jordan Cox, one of three debutants, was caught brilliantly by Tim David, while Salt pulled a delivery from Sean Abbott straight to deep square leg. Jacob Bethell was clean bowled by Zampa, further weakening England’s chances.
Liam Livingstone fought back with a quickfire 37, including a huge six off Marcus Stoinis. He and Sam Curran added 54 runs before Curran’s dismissal by Abbott. Livingstone was soon bowled by Hazlewood, and Zampa ended England’s resistance by removing Jamie Overton, leaving the hosts at 128-8.
Earlier, Australia looked set for a bigger total, but England’s spinners fought back. Livingstone took 3-22 and Adil Rashid, the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, delivered a tight spell of 1-23. Head capitalised on some wayward bowling, smashing 30 runs off a single Sam Curran over before being caught off Saqib Mahmood. Marsh followed soon after, bowled by Rashid.
Livingstone struck again with two wickets in two balls, dismissing Stoinis and David, both lbw. Jofra Archer took two late wickets to restrict Australia’s total, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the loss.
The series continues at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens on Friday.