Harry Brook Leads England to Win

In a thrilling third one-day international at Seat Unique Riverside, Harry Brook's stellar century helped England secure a 46-run win over Australia via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, keeping the series alive at 2-1 in Australia's favour.

Australia posted a competitive 304-7, with Alex Carey’s unbeaten 77 and Steve Smith’s 60 leading their charge. However, England’s reply, spearheaded by stand-in captain Brook, saw them reach 254-4 in 37.4 overs when rain intervened.

Chasing 305 to avoid losing the series, England got off to a shaky start, losing two quick wickets and finding themselves at 11-2. But Brook, calmly pacing his innings, played a captain’s knock. He built a match-defining 156-run partnership with Will Jacks, who contributed a graceful 84 from 82 deliveries. Jacks fell to a short ball from Cameron Green, but not before laying a solid foundation for England’s chase. Brook, meanwhile, reached his maiden ODI century in 87 balls, showcasing his typical flair with 13 boundaries and two sixes.

Liam Livingstone added a quickfire 33 from just 20 balls, ensuring England stayed well ahead of the DLS par score of 208 when rain stopped play. His aggressive shots, including two boundaries off Mitchell Starc and a six from Sean Abbott, shifted the momentum firmly in England’s favour before the weather brought an early end to proceedings.

Earlier in the day, England’s bowlers performed well in patches but faltered at the end. Brydon Carse’s opening spell was impressive, removing Mitchell Marsh for 24 as Australia recorded their lowest powerplay score in 31 ODIs, managing just 41 runs. England continued to make breakthroughs whenever Australia began to build partnerships. Jofra Archer bowled with pace and precision, taking two wickets, including a stunning catch by Carse at deep square leg to dismiss Steve Smith when he had scored 60.

However, England’s death bowling wavered as Australia added 104 runs in the final 10 overs. Carey’s clean hitting, backed by Aaron Hardie’s rapid 44 from 26 balls, pushed Australia’s total to 304-7. Archer, who had bowled well earlier, conceded 31 runs in his last two overs, allowing Australia to finish strongly.

Despite the late surge from Australia, Brook’s composed innings ensured England didn’t pay the price for their bowling struggles. This victory sets up a crucial fourth ODI at Lord's, where England will look to level the series.

Brook, leading the team in Jos Buttler’s absence, showed maturity beyond his 18 ODIs, pacing his innings perfectly. His measured start, taking just six runs from his first 13 balls, contrasted with his later strokeplay, including a sublime six over mid-off against spinner Matt Short. This innings was the standout of the day, helping England recover from back-to-back defeats and putting them in a position to push for a series draw.

The series now moves to Lord's, where England will aim to build on this momentum and square the five-match contest at 2-2.