Chasing a formidable target of 316, Australia reached 317 for 3 with 36 balls remaining, extending their winning streak to 13 consecutive ODI matches against all opponents.
Earlier in the match, Marnus Labuschagne emerged as an unexpected bowling hero for Australia.
England appeared to be on course for an enormous total, reaching 201 for 2 after 30 overs, with Ben Duckett — playing his first ODI as an opener — eyeing a century at his home ground in Nottinghamshire.
However, Duckett’s innings came to an end on 95 when he was caught and bowled by part-time leg-spinner Labuschagne. The Australian struck again shortly after, dismissing Harry Brook — captaining England for the first time — in a similar manner for 39.
Labuschagne, the seventh bowler utilized by the Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh, achieved his career-best ODI bowling figures of 3 for 39, contributing to England’s late collapse as they lost their last six wickets for a mere 59 runs.
In his 100th ODI appearance, Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa registered impressive figures of 3 for 49.
After his bowling heroics, Labuschagne contributed a quickfire 77 not out off 61 balls. He added 148 runs with Head to take the visitors home.
Early in their pursuit of the target, Australia suffered a setback when Marsh fell victim to Matthew Potts.. Just three deliveries later, Head, the centurion in Australia’s ODI World Cup final triumph against India the previous year, narrowly escaped being dismissed for a score of six.
Head showcased his batting prowess against England’s bowling attack, with his square-cut off Potts, nearly resulting in a spectacular catch by Brydon Carse at deep point. Despite Carse’s valiant effort, he couldn’t quite hold onto the ball after coming in too far off the boundary rope.
Head continued to dominate the English bowlers, reaching his half-century in just 50 balls. He took on both the fast bowlers and the spinners with equal ease. However, Australia suffered a setback when the in-form Steve Smith, who had struck three sixes in his 32-run innings, offered a return catch to Liam Livingstone.
Unfazed by the loss of his partner, Head marched on, bringing up his sixth ODI century in his 66th match. He reached the 150-run mark in style, dancing down the track to Livingstone and launching him for a massive six over long-on.
The left-handed opener surpassed his previous highest ODI score of 152, which he had achieved against England in Melbourne two years earlier. Head’s innings was a display of sheer brilliance, as he faced 129 deliveries, smashing 20 fours and five sixes along the way.
England’s innings in the opening ODI saw mixed fortunes for the hosts. Despite losing the toss, Australia made an early breakthrough when debutant Ben Dwarshuis dismissed Phil Salt for 17. However, Dwarshuis’ promising spell of 1 for 18 in four overs was cut short due to a pectoral injury.
The England middle-order showcased their potential, with both Duckett and Will Jacks scoring brisk half-centuries. Duckett reached his fifty off 49 balls, while Jacks achieved the milestone in 45 deliveries. The pair shared a big partnership of 120 runs in 17 overs before Jacks, on 62, fell to Adam Zampa, holing out to Smith at cover.
Duckett continued his impressive innings, but his 91-ball stay at the crease, which included 11 boundaries, concluded in a tame manner when he chipped a delivery from Labuschagne back to the bowler.
England’s position worsened when Brook, after striking a four and a six off Labuschagne, suffered the same fate. At the end of 35 overs, England found themselves at 232 for 4.
Australia entered the match with several players unavailable due to illness and injury, notably the experienced fast bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.