Will Jacks' All-Round Performance Leads England to ODI Victory Over Sri Lanka
All-rounder claims career-best figures and contributes with the bat as England secure an 89-run win in the first ODI.
Will Jacks’ all-around performance was pivotal in England’s 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first One-Day International at Chester-le-Street. The win continues England's consistent form in white-ball cricket.
Batting first on a slow pitch, England posted 265 before being bowled out in 48.1 overs. Harry Brook top-scored with 67 off 69 balls, supported by Joe Root's 44. Jacks contributed a crucial unbeaten 46, helping to stretch the innings after a middle-order collapse. Despite not hitting a six, a rarity for England when batting first in recent years, the team managed to set a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s debutant leg-spinner, Sachindu Colombage, impressed by taking three wickets for 44 runs, including the key dismissals of Jos Buttler and Overton. Asitha Fernando also found reverse swing to dismiss opener Tom Banton and claim two late wickets.
In response, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum against a disciplined English bowling attack. Jacks was the standout performer with the ball, taking the important wickets of Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka before wrapping up the tail. He finished with career-best figures of 5-22, the best by an England spinner since Vic Marks in 1984. Sri Lanka were ultimately bowled out for 176 in 37 overs.
While Rehan Ahmed, given a chance in the absence of Adil Rashid due to a hand injury, had a mixed outing with the ball, dropping a catch and conceding 46 runs in seven overs, Jacks effectively filled the role of lead spinner with his off-spin.
England's seamers also contributed to the restrictive bowling effort. Gus Atkinson bowled economically for 1-25 in seven overs, and Jamie Overton took 2-21 in five. The bowling unit maintained hard lengths, which proved effective.
This victory marks England's 10th consecutive white-ball win against Sri Lanka this year. They have the opportunity to secure the three-match series with a game to spare on Thursday at Headingley. The series concludes on Sunday at The Oval. England's total was the lowest they have successfully defended in a full ODI since July 2022.