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England Win: Harry Brook’s Maiden ODI Century Keeps Series Alive Against Australia
England’s Stand-in Skipper Harry Brook Shines with an Unbeaten Century in Rain-Interrupted Win
In a thrilling contest at Chester-le-Street, England’s stand-in captain Harry Brook showcased his class with an impressive unbeaten 110, his first century in ODI cricket. His innings was the cornerstone of England’s successful chase of Australia’s 304/7, securing a much-needed win via the DLS method by 46 runs. This victory kept England alive in the five-match series, breaking Australia’s 14-match unbeaten streak in ODIs, which dated back to the 2023 ODI World Cup. The result also ended England’s seven-game losing streak to their arch-rivals.
Brook’s knock, supported by a steady 84-run contribution from Will Jacks, formed a crucial partnership that set the tone for England’s chase before rain curtailed the match. The home side’s win came at a time when they needed it the most, injecting life back into the series.
Australia Post a Challenging Total
The Australian side, led by the consistent batting performances of Alex Carey and Steve Smith, posted a strong total of 304/7 in their 50 overs. Carey’s unbeaten 77 helped solidify Australia’s innings, while Smith’s 60, along with useful cameos from Cameron Green (42 off 49) and Aaron Hardie (44 off 26), gave the visitors a solid platform. At one stage, it appeared that Australia had set a daunting total on a pitch that favored bowlers with its overcast conditions and long square boundaries.
England’s bowlers had moments of success, with Jofra Archer picking up two wickets for 67 runs in his 10 overs. Despite this, Australia seemed poised to win the match and close out the series, especially after their impressive win in the second ODI, where they defended a modest total of 270.
England’s Chase: Brook and Jacks Lead the Fightback
The hosts had a shaky start, losing both openers—Phil Salt and Ben Duckett—early to Australia’s spearhead Mitchell Starc, leaving England struggling at 11/2. However, it was the partnership between Harry Brook and Will Jacks that turned the tide. The duo added 156 runs off 147 balls for the third wicket, steadily building England’s innings with a mix of boundary hitting and smart running between the wickets.
Despite the bowler-friendly conditions and the gloomy weather, Brook and Jacks dominated Australia’s attack, finding boundaries even after the PowerPlay. The pair accumulated 22 boundaries and three sixes, taking control of the match situation and applying pressure on the Australian bowlers. Brook reached his half-century quickly, while Jacks followed suit in the very next over, marking a commanding partnership that swung the momentum in England’s favor.
Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s stand-in skipper, found it difficult to contain England’s aggressive approach. With Adam Zampa not featuring in the lineup, Marsh had to turn to the part-time spin of Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Brook took full advantage, smashing Short for 12 runs in his only over. Jacks too was in fine form, taking three consecutive boundaries off Starc in a 19-run over, ensuring England kept up with the required run rate.
Rain Ends Play: England Ahead by DLS Method
Just as England looked to accelerate further, Cameron Green struck, dismissing Will Jacks for a well-played 84, followed by the wicket of Jamie Smith, which momentarily put England under pressure. However, Liam Livingstone’s quickfire 33 off 20 balls kept England comfortably ahead of the asking rate. During this period, Brook continued to dominate, reaching his maiden ODI century off 94 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes.
The rain arrived just when England was at 254/4 in 37.4 overs, well ahead of the DLS par score by 46 runs. Despite efforts to resume play after a brief respite, further showers meant no more play was possible. England was declared the winner by the DLS method, clinching the match and keeping the series alive. This victory not only brought England back into the series but also marked an end to their losing streak against Australia in ODIs.
Australia’s Unbeaten Run Ends, England Stay Alive
The result brought an end to Australia’s impressive 14-match winning streak in ODIs, which stretched back to the previous year’s World Cup. England’s win was a timely one, breaking their own seven-match losing run against their fierce rivals. For Australia, it was a rare stumble in what has otherwise been a dominant run of form.
With the series now alive, the teams will head into the fourth ODI with renewed enthusiasm, as England look to level the series and Australia aim to bounce back and seal the series win.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 304/7 in 50 overs (Alex Carey 77*, Steve Smith 60, Aaron Hardie 44, Cameron Green 42; Jofra Archer 2-67)
- England: 254/4 in 37.4 overs (Harry Brook 110*, Will Jacks 84; Cameron Green 2-45, Mitchell Starc 2-63) – England won by 46 runs (DLS method)
