England captain Harry Brook’s maiden one-day international century revived his side’s series hopes against Australia as they beat the world champions by 46 runs at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday. Victory in the third ODI left England 2-1 down with two matches to play.
England faced a daunting task after Mitchell Starc removed openers Phil Salt (nought) and Ben Duckett (eight) in the space of four balls, leaving them at 11-2 while chasing 305. However, Will Jacks (84) and Brook (110 not out) added a crucial 156-run partnership for the third wicket, showcasing a blend of good judgment and shot-making skill.
Rain interrupted play with England at 254-4 off 37.4 overs. At that point, they were 46 runs ahead according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method for weather-affected matches. The downpour prevented further play, ensuring England ended Australia’s run of 14 consecutive ODI wins.
Player-of-the-match Brook expressed his joy over achieving his first century in his 18 ODIs. The 25-year-old Yorkshireman stated at the presentation ceremony: “It’s nice to get the first one on the board and hopefully plenty more to come. We just have to keep doing what we said we are going to do (in Friday’s fourth ODI at Lord’s) and keep being positive, take the game to them (Australia).”
Jacks fell short of a maiden century when he uppercut a Cameron Green bouncer to backward point, ending an 82-ball innings that included nine fours and a six. Brook reached 99 by driving Starc back over his head for four before a single off the paceman secured his hundred off 87 balls, featuring 12 fours and two sixes.
England’s fans had reason to fear the worst when Salt clipped Starc straight to midwicket and Duckett edged the left-arm fast bowler to backward point. However, Jacks and Brook’s partnership turned the game around against an Australian attack missing key leg-spinner Adam Zampa due to illness.
Earlier in the match, Australia posted a total of 304-7 after Brook won the toss. Alex Carey top-scored with 77 not out off 65 balls, while star batsman Steven Smith made 60. England paceman Jofra Archer took 2-67. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh praised his team’s effort to reach 300 in challenging conditions, noting the significant seam movement early on.
Marsh acknowledged England’s performance, stating, “In one-day cricket with a big partnership you can set the game up for yourself, fair play to them (England).” On Zampa’s absence, he said, “Whenever you’re missing someone like him it’s hard work. But we’ll hopefully welcome him back in a few days.”
Australia struggled after England reduced them to 132-4. All-rounder Green, playing in place of the injured Travis Head, had previously fallen for 42. In the next over, Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for a duck after a miscued paddle-sweep off spinner Jacks lobbed gently to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Smith’s dismissal came when he fiercely pulled a delivery from Archer, only for Brydon Carse to take a superb diving catch on the boundary.
With this victory, England breathed new life into the series and will look to carry the momentum into the fourth ODI at Lord’s.
