TRAVIS Head scored 59 runs and leg-spinner Adam Zampa took two crucial wickets, helping Australia defeat England by 28 runs in the first T20 international at Southampton on Wednesday.
Head's quick 59 set up Australia's total of 179 all out, which seemed modest at first. However, with Zampa claiming an economical 2-20, Australia managed to bowl England out for 151, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"It was a nice start," said Head, who was named player of the match. "For me it was about using the pace well, which I think I did."
Phil Salt, leading England in place of the injured Jos Buttler, said, "Everything was good (about captaincy) apart from the result." Reflecting on Head’s innings, he added, "When the ball starts flying like that, it's about how to shut him down. Maybe we could have done a bit better, but it has given us clarity for the next game."
Australia's captain, Mitchell Marsh, praised both Head and Matthew Short for their start and acknowledged the impact of Zampa and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. "We're lucky to have guys like Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood in our team," Marsh said. "They applied pressure when needed."
Bartlett injured
Australia suffered a setback when pacer Xavier Bartlett left the field mid-over. Marsh said, "I think he's hurt his thigh. It's disappointing to see a young fellow go down, but hopefully it's not too bad."
England collapsed early, reaching just 52-4 inside eight overs. It was their first limited-overs match since the dismissal of coach Matthew Mott following a poor World Cup defense.
Jordan Cox, one of three debutants, was caught in the deep for 17, with Tim David taking a remarkable diving catch. Salt was dismissed after pulling a shot to deep square leg, while Jacob Bethell was bowled by Zampa.
Liam Livingstone fought back with a 37, including a big six, adding 54 runs with Sam Curran. However, Curran fell to Sean Abbott, and Livingstone was bowled by Hazlewood shortly after.
Zampa then dismissed Jamie Overton, leaving England at 128-8, effectively sealing the win for Australia.
Earlier, Australia seemed set for a higher total, but England’s spinners, Liam Livingstone (3-22) and Adil Rashid (1-23), helped restrict the visitors. Head had dominated early on, hitting 30 runs in one over from Sam Curran, but he was dismissed by Saqib Mahmood soon after.
The series continues on Friday at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens.
(With inputs from AFP)
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