Will Jacks delivered an all-round masterclass as England defeated Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
Jacks scored an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls to help England reach 265 all out after captain Harry Brook made 67. The off-spinner then produced a career-best 5-22 in seven overs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176 with 13 overs remaining. His maiden ODI five-wicket haul included three wickets in the final over.
His figures are the second-best by an England spinner in ODI cricket, behind Vic Marks’ 5-20 against New Zealand in 1984. Brook and Joe Root contributed 67 and 44 respectively, while Sri Lanka debutant Sachindu Colombage impressed with 3-44.
Sri Lanka struggled after Pathum Nissanka’s 27, with captain Kusal Mendis scoring 42 and Dunith Wellalage adding 45. Jacks removed both Asalanka and Mendis before completing his five-wicket haul. England lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled at Headingley on Thursday.