England secured a commanding 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI at Chester-le-Street on September 22, 2026. The win, which gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, was headlined by a career-best performance from Will Jacks.
Jacks finished with figures of 5-22, the second-best return by an England spinner in ODI history, trailing only Vic Marks’ 5-20 against Sri Lanka in 1984. Earlier in the day, Jacks contributed an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls to help England reach 265 all out.
The match was preceded by the news that Adil Rashid has been ruled out of the entire series due to a right-hand injury sustained during the final T20I at Old Trafford. Rehan Ahmed was brought into the side as Rashid’s replacement, finishing with 1-38 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 176 in their chase.
England’s innings featured the return of Tom Banton to the opening position for the first time in six years. While several batters failed to convert starts, the total proved sufficient on a surface that offered turn. Sri Lankan debutant Sachindu Colombage impressed despite the loss, taking 3-44 including the wicket of Joe Root.
Under white-ball coach Kevin Pietersen, England utilized a spin-heavy strategy that stalled the visitors’ middle order. Jacks, who has transitioned into a middle-order all-rounder role, was the primary beneficiary of the conditions.
“It wasn’t the easiest of surfaces, but we want to be a team that can adapt to conditions as well as possible and manufacture wins where the conditions aren’t quite in our favor,” captain Harry Brook said after the match.
Jacks reflected on his evolving role within the side: “I think I am getting used to this role now. It is more about playing the situation and playing what is out there.”
Sri Lanka struggled to maintain the required run rate once Jacks began his spell, losing wickets at regular intervals. The series continues on September 24 at Headingley, followed by the final match at The Oval on September 27.
