On Thursday, September 18, England faced Australia in the first ODI at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. England won the toss and elected to bat. While Ben Duckett and Phil Salt started together, Salt's innings ended abruptly. Attempting to punch the ball to the off-side, he became unbalanced, allowing Ben Dwarshuis to crash into the stumps, leaving Salt with only 17 runs from 24 balls.
Things looked brighter once Will Jacks arrived at the crease to support Duckett. Together, they put on a commanding 120-run partnership for the second wicket. Unfortunately for Duckett, he was dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne for 95 runs off 91 balls, having hit 11 boundaries in a frustratingly close call to a hundred.
Will Jacks also played a key role, scoring 62 from 56 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes) before being dismissed by Adam Zampa. The middle order provided some support, with interim captain Harry Brook contributing 39 (31) and Jamie Smith adding 23 (19). From there, the batting crumbled: Liam Livingstone fell to Zampa for 13, and Brydon Carse followed shortly after for a mere 2 runs. Jofra Archer then gifted his wicket to Connolly at point for 4 runs, a lapse in judgment that hindered England's total.
The tail offered a bit more resistance through Jacob Bethell, who carried his T20I form into this match with 35 runs before Travis Head claimed his wicket. Shortly after, Rashid was caught by Head on the very first ball of his innings. England eventually finished their 49.4 overs all out for 315. Australia's chase began with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, though Marsh fell early to Matthew Potts for 10 runs. Undeterred, Head anchored the innings, partnering with Steve Smith for 76 runs over 12 overs to stabilize the chase.
Steve Smith eventually edged a high ball straight to Livingstone, departing for 32 off 28 balls. Head then teamed up with Cameron Green, adding another 73 runs. However, Green was dismissed by Bethell on the first ball of the over, finishing with 32 runs from 32 balls. Once Marnus Labuschagne joined the crease, Head took complete control. He reached his century in 92 balls and eventually finished with a massive 154 off 129 deliveries, smashing 20 fours and 5 sixes.
Labuschagne played a supporting role perfectly, scoring an unbeaten 77 from 61 balls. Their fourth-wicket partnership of 148 runs remained unbroken as Australia chased down the target in 44 overs. This dominant 7-wicket win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.