Harry Brook led England to a 46-run win over Australia in the third ODI in Durham with a brilliant century. The England captain’s innings of 110 off 94 balls, which included 13 boundaries and two sixes, helped his team recover from a shaky start of 11-2.
Will Jacks also played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 84 off 82 balls and sharing a 156-run partnership for the third wicket with Brook. Despite some quick wickets by Cameron Green, Jamie Smith, and Liam Livingstone’s quick 30 not out, England was comfortably cruising towards victory before rain interrupted play.
The rain denied Brook the opportunity to see his team over the line, but England secured the win on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, keeping the series alive with Australia leading 2-1 with two games remaining.
Earlier in the match, England’s seamers impressed in helpful conditions, reducing Australia to 47-2 after being put in to bat. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse picked up crucial wickets, but missed opportunities and expensive overs from the part-time spinners allowed Steve Smith and Cameron Green to build a partnership.
Despite the middle-order resistance from Smith, Green, and Alex Carey, Australia finished their innings at 304-9. In response, England lost both openers cheaply but a brilliant partnership between Jacks and Brook set up the chase.
The young duo played smart cricket, mixing boundaries with sensible running between the wickets. Jacks missed out on a century, falling to a short delivery from Green, but Brook reached his maiden ODI hundred to put England in a winning position before the rain came.
With the series finely poised at 2-1 in favor of Australia, the upcoming games promise more exciting cricket action. The fourth ODI is scheduled at Lord’s, London, followed by the fifth ODI at The Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol. Cricket fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Cricket or stream it with NOW.
