ENG vs AUS: Harry Brook’s First ODI Century Secures England’s Vital Win
Harry Brook’s unbeaten 110 in his first ODI century leads England to a crucial 46-run win against Australia via DLS, keeping the series alive.
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Captain Harry Brook delivered a stunning century in his first One-Day International, helping England secure a crucial victory over Australia in the third match of the series. This win keeps England’s white-ball revival alive.
England, chasing 305 to stay in the series, was 254-4, needing 51 runs from 74 balls, when rain cut short the match in Chester-le-Street. Harry Brook’s unbeaten 110 guided England to a 46-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Things looked bleak when England stumbled to 11-2 after heavy losses in the first two matches. But Harry Brook remained composed, steadily building his innings with 13 fours and two sixes. He formed a crucial 156-run partnership with Will Jacks, who scored an elegant 84 from 82 balls. After Jack’s dismissal, Brook reached his century in just 87 balls.
Liam Livingstone’s quick-fire 33 from 20 balls ensured England stayed ahead of the DLS par score of 208 when the rain arrived. Despite a shaky finish to their bowling innings, which allowed Australia to reach 304-7, Harry Brook’s knock secured England’s vital win. The hosts now have a chance to level the series in the fourth ODI at Lord’s on Friday.
Third One-Day International, Seat Unique Riverside
- Australia: 304-7 (50 overs): Carey 77* (65), Smith 60 (82); Archer 2-67
- England: 254-4 (37.4 overs): Brook 110* (94), Jacks 84 (82)
- England won by 46 runs (DLS method), Australia leads the series 2-1
Harry Brook Stands Tall for England
In his 18th ODI, Harry Brook played patiently, taking six runs off his first 13 balls. His first scoop shot only came after he had reached 57. Despite the cautious start, Brook’s aggressive strokeplay was on display as he sent the ball crashing through the offside and hit spinner Matt Short for a massive six over mid-off.
Will Jacks had impressed earlier, scoring his second fifty in the series. His steady partnership with Harry Brook laid the foundation for England’s chase. When Jamie Smith pulled a Cameron Green bouncer to deep square leg, England still needed 108 runs from 109 balls. However, with Adam Zampa absent due to illness and Livingstone’s aggressive cameo, England gained momentum before rain interrupted the game.
Strong Bowling Effort, Marred by Late Collapse
England’s bowling attack performed admirably for much of the game. Brydon Carse delivered an outstanding opening spell, removing Mitchell Marsh for 24, and restricting Australia to 41 runs in their powerplay—their lowest total in 31 ODIs.
Every time Australia built a partnership, England found a way to break it. Jacob Bethell caught Cameron Green for 42, and Steve Smith was caught by a diving Carse after a cautious fifty, leaving Australia at 172-5.
However, England’s bowlers faltered in the final 10 overs, conceding 104 runs, with 55 coming in the last four. Alex Carey took full advantage, scoring an unbeaten 77, while Aaron Hardie added 44 from just 26 balls. Jofra Archer, in particular, was punished, giving away 31 runs in his last two overs.
Despite this, Harry Brook’s brilliance ensured England could focus on the positives.
‘More to Come’ – Post-Match Reactions
England captain and Player of the Match Harry Brook:
“We didn’t have much to discuss between innings. I thought the pitch improved towards the end of Australia’s innings. The message was simple: play your own game. It’s great to get the first century, and hopefully, there’s more to come.”
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh:
“We did well to reach 300, given the early conditions. There was a lot of seam movement, and it was tough. They formed a solid partnership, and in one-day cricket, that can turn the game. Credit to them for the win.”
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