England secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka with a controlled 89-run victory at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. The win followed a recent clean sweep by England in the Twenty20 format and was marked by a more measured approach on a slow, worn pitch under warm September conditions.
England were all out for 265 in 48.1 overs, led by captain Harry Brook’s top score of 67. The innings lacked the aggressive hitting seen in previous matches, and notably, England did not hit a six for the first time in over seven years in an ODI match. Brook’s innings was supported by a vital unbeaten 46 from the vice-captain Will Jacks, who showcased his all-round credentials by combining steady batting with a significant bowling performance.
Jacks, who has adapted to a lower middle-order batting role after primarily opening, struck boundaries at crucial moments, including 18 runs off the 48th over, helping England reach a defendable total. His off-spin proved instrumental in dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup, as he took five wickets for 22 runs across seven overs, including a hat-trick in a single over that ended the innings. This was the first time an England spinner took five wickets in an ODI against Sri Lanka since Vic Marks in 1983. Brook praised Jacks for his evolution into a frontline off-spinner and emphasized his importance to the team’s balance and leadership.
Sri Lanka struggled to contend with the home side’s bowling attack on the slow surface. Despite a promising start, reaching 61 for one after the powerplay, the tourists were gradually restricted. Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage made an impressive debut, claiming three wickets for 44 runs with spin that troubled key England batsmen, including dismissing Joe Root for 44 and Jos Buttler for 31. Root’s wicket was notable, as it ended his streak of 416 consecutive deliveries without dismissal in ODIs.
England’s bowling attack operated effectively without Adil Rashid, who was sidelined due to a hand injury. Jofra Archer, despite some physical discomfort after a demanding summer, contributed, as did seamers Jamie Overton and Rehan Ahmed, though the latter was outshone by Jacks. A brief middle-order collapse curtailed England’s batting momentum; after reaching 182 for three, they lost four wickets for 29 runs in quick succession. A missed opportunity was highlighted when Ahmed was run out after improperly attempting a risky single.
Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 176 in 37 overs, unable to mount a serious challenge. England’s tactical use of slow bowling on the tired pitch and the experience of their leadership unit were key factors in securing the win. The second ODI will take place at Headingley, with England seeking to extend their advantage in the series and continue building momentum ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup.