Brook slams maiden ODI ton to keep series alive

A barnstorming maiden ODI century from England’s Harry Brook has helped his side halt Australia’s ODI win streak, ending a 14-match run at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

England claimed a 46-run win by DLS Method, their first win in the format since December 2023.

England looked on the back foot, set 305 for victory and falling to 11 for two early in the chase, before a partnership of 156 between Brook and Will Jacks (84) turned the tide. 

Brook was then joined by Liam Livingstone, whose quick-fire 33 not out from 20 balls helped hosts move ahead of the DLS par score once rain intervened in the chase.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 winners had the chance to extend their ODI winning streak to 15, what would have been two matches clear as the second-best winning streak in the Men’s format, with their stretch beginning at last year’s major tournament.

Australia’s 2003 group hold the record with 21 matches on the bounce, in a run that included Cricket World Cup glory in the same year. 

It’s their compatriots on the Women’s side who also have bragging rights, with 26 back-to-back wins between 2018 and 2021.

A victory would have also meant Australia nudged India off top spot on the ICC ODI Men’s Team Rankings, though defeat means they sit three ratings points back from top spot (118 ratings points).
Match four of the five-match ODI series between Australia and England will be held on Friday.

Chief scores: 

Australia: 304/7 in 50 overs (Alex Carey 77 n.o, Steve Smith 60, Aaron Hardie 44, Cameron Green 42, Jofra Archer 2/67) 

England: 254/4 in 37.4 overs (Harry Brook 110 n.o, Will Jacks 84, Cameron Green 2/45, Mitchell Starc 2/63).  ICC