England and Sri Lanka move to Headingley on Thursday with the hosts 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series after an 89-run victory at Chester-le-Street. The first match gave both sides a clear reference point: England found enough runs on a demanding surface and then controlled Sri Lanka's chase, while the visitors were left needing a more substantial batting response.
England were bowled out for 265 in 48.1 overs after choosing to bat. Captain Harry Brook made 67 from 69 balls, Joe Root contributed 44, and Will Jacks added an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls. Sri Lanka's debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage returned 3 for 44, helping prevent England from turning a solid platform into a much larger total.
The decisive part of the game came when Sri Lanka chased 266. They were dismissed for 176 in 37 overs, with England taking wickets regularly enough to prevent the innings from developing sustained momentum. Jacks was the standout performer with the ball, taking a career-best 5 for 22 after his important contribution with the bat. The result extended England's strong white-ball run against Sri Lanka after their 3-0 T20 series sweep immediately before the ODIs.
What Sri Lanka need to change
Sri Lanka's immediate task is straightforward: they need a deeper chase if they are to level the series. The first ODI showed that their bowling attack could keep England within reach. Colombage's three wickets, together with support from the seamers, meant the target was competitive rather than overwhelming.
The problem was converting that opportunity with the bat. England took early and middle-order wickets often enough that Sri Lanka were always rebuilding. A successful response at Headingley will require more partnerships and a better ability to keep the required rate manageable through the middle overs.
England have room to improve too
Despite the comfortable winning margin, England were not flawless. They lost all 10 wickets and did not bat their full allocation of 50 overs. Brook's 67 was the top score, and Jacks' late unbeaten 46 became especially valuable after Sri Lanka had worked through the middle and lower order.
That gives England two positives heading into the second ODI. Their batting had enough depth to recover from pressure, and their bowling attack defended 265 with considerable margin. The wider series also forms part of England's preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, with the team continuing to build its one-day approach under Brook.
What happens next
The second ODI is scheduled for Thursday, 24 September at Headingley in Leeds, with the third and final match at The Oval on Sunday, 27 September. England can secure the series with another win, while Sri Lanka need victory at Headingley to force a decider in London. The first ODI suggests Sri Lanka's bowlers can create enough chances; the larger question is whether their batting can turn those chances into a competitive chase.