Jacks shines as England beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs

Will Jacks starred with bat and ball as England beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

Jacks took a career-best 5-22 before hitting an unbeaten 46 to help England defend a total of 265. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176 in 37 overs.

England, sent in after losing the toss, were dismissed for 265 in 48.1 overs. Harry Brook top-scored with 67 off 69 balls, while Joe Root made 44 off 52 before being bowled by debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage.

Colombage finished with 3-44 from 10 overs, including the wicket of Jos Buttler for 31. Sri Lanka seamer Asitha Fernando took 3-53 in 9.1 overs as England’s last five wickets added 69 runs on a slow pitch.

Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships in their chase. Captain Kusal Mendis made 42 off 60 balls and Dunith Wellalage scored 45 from 36 before Jacks claimed three wickets in one over to wrap up the innings.

The victory was England’s fifth in their last six ODIs, following two wins over Sri Lanka in Colombo in January.

The second ODI will be played in Leeds on Thursday, with the third and final match at The Oval on Sunday.