England vs Australia: Harry Brook hits maiden ODI hundred as hosts keep series alive with third ODI win in Durham
Harry Brook achieved an impressive first-ever century in one-day internationals, leading his team to a 46-run victory (DLS method) against Australia in the third ODI held in Durham.
While pursuing a target of 305 for victory, Brook scored a stunning 110 runs off just 94 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. His performance was crucial in helping England bounce back after they found themselves struggling at 11 runs for 2 wickets within the first three overs.
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Will Jacks contributed significantly with a score of 84 runs from 82 balls, partnering with his teammate to add 156 runs for the third wicket. Together, they dominated the Australian bowlers, who were sorely lacking the presence of their main leg-spinner, Adam Zampa, who was sidelined by illness.
Match Recap: England secured a victory over Australia by 46 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Australia scored 304 runs for the loss of 7 wickets over 50 overs. Alex Carey remained unbeaten with a score of 77 off 62 deliveries, while Steve Smith contributed 60 runs from 82 balls. Jofra Archer was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 67 runs.
England has scored 254 runs with 4 wickets down in 34.4 overs. Harry Brook remains unbeaten with a score of 110 off 94 deliveries, while Will Jacks contributed 84 runs from 82 balls. On the bowling side, Cameron Green took 2 wickets for 45 runs, and Mitchell Starc bagged 2 wickets for 63 runs.
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Cameron Green (2-45) took two wickets in quick order, dismissing Jacks and Jamie Smith (7) with a couple of short deliveries. However, the home team didn't falter at the end, as Liam Livingstone blasted a rapid 30 runs off just 20 balls.
As England was well on their way to winning, needing just 51 runs from 74 balls, rain suddenly interrupted the match, preventing Brook from witnessing his team secure the win. However, the match result was ultimately confirmed through the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, allowing England to keep the series alive. Australia currently leads 2-1 with two matches remaining.
Friday, September 27th at 12:00 PM
England Makes Strong Start In Favorable Conditions
After Brook won the toss and chose to bowl, England's pace bowlers made a strong impression in favorable weather, quickly putting Australia in a tough position at 47-2.
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Jofra Archer, who returned to the lineup in place of Olly Stone after being rested for the second ODI at Headingley, finished with figures of 2 for 67. He managed to dismiss Matthew Short for 14 runs. Meanwhile, Brydon Carse recorded 1 for 55, taking out Mitchell Marsh for 24 with a stunning delivery, just after the Australian captain had hit him for six.
Despite England's strong efforts, they were unable to convert those chances into wickets as they might have hoped. Steve Smith benefited from a close lbw call against Matthew Potts (0-48), which was overturned after a review. Meanwhile, Carse managed to bowl out Green during a 'free hit,' which sparked a momentary buzz among the crowd.
At that moment, with the score at just single digits, Smith and Green took full advantage of their lucky break, putting together a solid partnership of 84 runs for the third wicket. England found it tough to manage the final ten overs with their fifth-choice bowlers, which included Jacob Bethell, Jacks, and Livingstone. The spin bowling didn’t have much impact on the flat pitch in Durham.
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All three part-time spinners were costly, so it was a significant advantage for England when Bethell (1-33) and Jacks (1-20) quickly took the wickets of Green (42) and Marnus Labuschagne (0) in just four deliveries.
Smith reached his half-century in just 71 balls, marking his 34th in ODI cricket. However, he was eventually dismissed for 60 runs when Carse made an impressive diving catch at deep square-leg.
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Carey Shines Again With Bat For Australia
At that point, Australia was struggling with a score of 172-5 in the 35th over. However, Alex Carey stepped up once again, reminding everyone of his crucial 74 runs in the second ODI at Headingley. His important innings helped push the team's total past 300.
The wicketkeeper scored 77 runs without getting out, facing 65 balls, and formed solid partnerships of fifty runs each with Glenn Maxwell, who contributed 30 runs from 25 balls, and Aaron Hardie, who made 44 runs off 26 deliveries. Australia’s lower order took full advantage against a struggling England bowling attack, adding 104 runs in the last 10 overs of the innings.
The hosts continued their careless play at the beginning of their batting innings, losing both openers to easy outs within the first three overs. Phil Salt was dismissed without scoring, hitting a simple catch to mid-wicket, and shortly after, Mitchell Starc (2-63) sent Ben Duckett (8) packing when he misplayed a shot to backward point.
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The initial successes united Jacks and Brook, and these two 25-year-olds, who had only accumulated 28 ODI appearances combined, put together a couple of impressive and smart innings during a remarkable century partnership.
The duo, several times, hit impressive boundaries early on but then wisely managed their scoring during the last five balls, ensuring England stayed comfortably ahead of the required run rate.
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Brook Addresses 'who Cares' Remark Following ODI Win
Captain of the England team, Harry Brook:
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It felt great to score the first hundred. I'm looking forward to achieving many more in the future.
"With the bat, Jacks and I focused on remaining at the crease for as long as we could and building our partnership."
"I really felt that the pitch improved as Australia's innings progressed. All we needed was a straightforward message: 'Just go out there and play your game.' Fortunately, it worked out well for us today."
Brook sparked surprise with his remarks following England's defeat in the first match of the series in Nottingham. He commented on a few careless outs, stating, "If you get caught near the boundary or in the field, it's not a big deal."
Some people saw that as a dismissive attitude towards what is being advertised and valued as a top-tier competition. However, he indicated that his comments had been misunderstood.
"I believe people misinterpreted that message. It's important to play boldly and adopt a mindset that's almost carefree, but it doesn't mean you should think, 'who cares if we lose?'" he explained.
"Everyone wants to succeed, but you shouldn't let the fear of failure hold you back. In the Test matches, we've seen instances where Ben Stokes (the captain) has been dismissed in unusual ways, like getting caught at mid-on, which is quite rare. It's important to approach the game with a bold mindset and be aggressive towards the bowlers."
England Vs Australia Live Schedule On Sky Sports
Catch the fourth ODI between England and Australia at Lord's, airing live on Sky Sports Cricket starting at noon on Friday, September 27 (with the first ball at 12:30pm). You can also enjoy it without a contract on NOW.
