Durham: A formidable debut century from England's stand-in captain, Harry Brook, played a pivotal role in halting Australia's 14-match ODI winning streak at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
England secured a 46-run victory by DLS Method, marking their first win in the format since December 2023, thereby maintaining a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Brook was honored with the 'Player of the Match' award for his exceptional performance.
England initially found themselves on the back foot, facing a target of 305 for victory and were reduced to 11/2 early in the innings. However, a partnership of 156 between Brook and Will Jacks (84 in 82 balls, with nine fours and a six) shifted the momentum in the hosts' favor. Following Jacks' dismissal, Liam Livingstone contributed significantly, scoring a quickfire 33 runs in just 20 balls, hitting two boundaries and three sixes, which helped the hosts surpass the DLS target once rain interrupted the chase.
Cameron Green (2/45) and Mitchell Starc (2/63) were among the Australian wickets.
After winning the toss, England chose to field first and managed to reduce Australia to 47/2 before a stand of 84 runs between Steve Smith (60 in 82 balls, with five fours) and Green (42 in 49 balls, with four boundaries) brought stability. Although Australia was reduced to 172/5 at one point, a 54-run partnership between Alex Carey (77* in 65 balls, with seven fours and a six) and Glenn Maxwell (30 in 25 balls, with five fours) and a swift cameo of 44 runs in 26 balls from Aaron Hardie, which included three fours and two sixes, propelled Australia to 304/7 in their 50 overs.
Jofra Archer was the standout bowler for England, taking two wickets. Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell, Livingstone, and Jacks each claimed a wicket.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 champions were poised to extend their ODI winning streak to 15, which would have placed them as the second-best in the men's format, following their impressive run at last year's major tournament.
Australia's 2003 group holds the record for the most matches won on the DLS Method, with a total of 21 matches, including a Cricket World Cup title in the same year. It is their female counterparts who also boast a remarkable record, achieving 26 consecutive wins between 2018 and 2021. A victory in this match would have also elevated Australia to the top spot in the ICC ODI Men's Team Rankings, though a loss would have relegated them to third place, three ratings points behind the top spot (118 ratings points).
Despite their defeat to Afghanistan in the series, South Africa maintains third position, though they have seen a decline in their ranking compared to the top two teams (108 rating points).
