Jacks turns Riverside into his stage
Will Jacks walked off the Riverside Ground as the undisputed hero of the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka. On a slow, low surface that punished strokeplay, his unbeaten 46 off 47 balls proved vital in pushing England past the 260-mark. Then, with the ball, he produced figures of 5-22 — the second-best by an England spinner in ODIs — to wrap up a commanding 89-run win.
England’s batting: steady rather than spectacular
England elected to bat and found run-scoring tough against a tight Sri Lankan attack. Harry Brook anchored the innings with 67 off 69, while Joe Root chipped in with 44 off 52. The middle order lost momentum after Brook’s dismissal, but Jacks’ late surge ensured England finished on 265 in 48.1 overs.
Sachindu Colombage (3-44) and Asitha Fernando (3-53) were the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, keeping England’s six count at zero — the first time England have failed to hit a boundary in an ODI innings since 2019.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gains traction
Chasing 266, Sri Lanka started cautiously but never built sustained pressure. Dunith Wellalage flashed 45 off 36 balls, and Kusal Mendis added 42 off 60, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
Jacks struck at key moments, removing Mendis and Charith Asalanka before cleaning up the tail. In the final over, he took three wickets in four balls to finish the match, leaving Sri Lanka all out for 176 in 37 overs. Jamie Overton supported with 2-21, but it was Jacks’ spell that broke the backbone of the chase.
What this means for the series
The win gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and underlines their growing comfort in the 50-over format this summer. With Adil Rashid ruled out through a hand injury, Jacks’ five-wicket haul ensured England hardly missed their senior spinner.
For Sri Lanka, the batting fragility and inability to accelerate against spin will be concerns heading into the second ODI.
FAQs
What was Will Jacks’ match contribution?
Jacks scored 46 not out off 47 balls and took 5-22 in seven overs, earning Player-of-the-Match honours.
What was England’s total in the first ODI?
England made 265 all out in 48.1 overs after electing to bat.
Who were Sri Lanka’s top scorers?
Dunith Wellalage top-scored with 45, while Kusal Mendis made 42.
By what margin did England win?
England won by 89 runs, bowling Sri Lanka out for 176 in 37 overs.
