# Will Jacks shines in new all-rounder role for England > England's Will Jacks takes five wickets and scores 46 runs in a Player of the Match performance against Sri Lanka. - Title: Will Jacks shines in new all-rounder role for England - Summary: England's Will Jacks takes five wickets and scores 46 runs in a Player of the Match performance against Sri Lanka. Will Jacks has successfully adapted to… - Keywords: will jacks, england cricket, sri lanka, one-day international, all-rounder, harry brook, durham, player of the match, off-spinner, batting order change, sports, Jacks - Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13590865/england-vs-sri-lanka-harry-brook-hails-outstanding-will-jacks-for-growing-in-new-role-after-spinner-takes-five-for-in-first-odi - Published: 2026-09-22T21:54:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: will jacks, england cricket, sri lanka, one-day international, all-rounder, harry brook, durham, player of the match, off-spinner, batting order change, sports ## England beats Sri Lanka by 89 runs England secured a dominant victory in the first ODI at Durham on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 176 while chasing England's 265. ## Jacks takes career-best five wickets Will Jacks claimed 5-22 from seven overs, the best figures by an England spinner in an ODI since Vic Marks took 5-20 in 1984. He was brought on to bowl in the 20th over and dismantled Sri Lanka's batting lineup. > He's not a part-timer; he is a very good off-spinner. He proved that today. ## Jacks scores 46 with the bat Moved down the order, Jacks contributed an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls, including a brutal 18-run over where he smashed four consecutive fours off Dushmantha Chameera in the 48th over. ## Brook praises Jacks' adaptation England captain Harry Brook said Jacks is 'really growing into this role' and has accepted his position as a middle-order batter and all-rounder without complaint. Brook highlighted his flexibility and commitment to the team's approach. > He's really growing into this role. He's bought into everything that we want to do. ## Jacks removes key Sri Lankan batters Jacks dismissed Charith Asalanka, trapped Kusal Mendis lbw, removed Dunith Wellalage, and took out Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka with a sensational turning ball that crashed into the stumps. ## Jacks embraces flexible approach Jacks said he approaches each game with an open mind and finds the flexibility refreshing. He noted that knowing the pitch from batting helped him bowl effectively, and he's committed to being as flexible as possible. > I go into each game with an open mind and see what it is when I walk out there. ## Morgan hails Jacks' clarity Sky Sports analyst Eoin Morgan praised Jacks for his clarity of thought and fantastic attitude, noting that batting at five, six or seven is high-risk and high-reward. Morgan highlighted how Jacks managed his innings to build momentum. > He's shown a fantastic attitude and wholeheartedly throws himself into every game. ## Key role in England's ODI strategy Morgan noted that Jacks' all-rounder role is key to England's ODI cricket strategy. His ability to bat flexibly and bowl effectively makes him vital to the team's approach under captain Harry Brook. > It's a key role in ODI cricket. ## Second ODI coming Thursday The second match of the three-game series takes place on Thursday at 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports Cricket. England will look to extend their lead with Jacks continuing in his all-rounder role. ## Key takeaway Will Jacks has successfully adapted to batting lower in the order and bowling as a key all-rounder, proving he can excel in multiple roles for England's ODI team.