Paceman Xavier Bartlett was forced to leave the field during Australia’s first T20I against England after sustaining a thigh injury, captain Mitchell Marsh confirmed. Marsh indicated that Bartlett’s injury may not be too serious, but the pacer did not return to complete his spell.
Australia’s victory in the first T20I at Southampton was spearheaded by a blistering knock from Travis Head, who hammered 59 runs in the powerplay.
Head’s explosive batting included smashing 30 runs in one over, with a hat-trick of sixes off Sam Curran. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa also delivered an economical performance, taking 2-20 as Australia sealed a 28-run win over England, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite Australia being bowled out for what appeared to be a below-par 179, Zampa’s disciplined bowling, along with contributions from Josh Hazlewood, proved decisive as England were bundled out for 151. Head, named the Player of the Match, expressed satisfaction with his innings, particularly his ability to capitalize on England’s pace bowling.
Stand-in captain Phil Salt, leading England in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler, admitted there was room for improvement. He acknowledged Head’s power-hitting, suggesting that England needed a better approach to contain him.
Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, praised both Head and opener Matthew Short, who contributed a rapid 41 off 26 balls. Marsh also credited Zampa and Hazlewood for applying pressure when it mattered most.
England, under Salt’s leadership, struggled early in their chase, collapsing to 52-4 within eight overs. Jordan Cox, one of three debutants for England, was dismissed for 17 after a stunning diving catch by Tim David in the deep.
England’s hopes rested briefly on Liam Livingstone, who struck 37, including a towering six off Marcus Stoinis. However, his dismissal, along with that of Curran, who added 54 runs with Livingstone, all but sealed the game for Australia.
Livingstone struck twice in two balls, trapping Stoinis and David lbw, as England restricted Australia to 179 all out. Jofra Archer later contributed with wickets of his own, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from setting a challenging total. The series continues with the second T20I at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens on Friday.
