Harry Brook's remarkable maiden ODI century spearheaded England's thrilling comeback against Australia, overcoming early setbacks to secure a crucial victory and halt Australia’s impressive 14-match winning streak in the Metro Bank series.
Harry Brook achieved an impressive first one-day international century, leading England to victory over Australia and keeping the Metro Bank series alive in Chester-le-Street. As captain, stepping in for the injured Jos Buttler, Brook came to bat with his team struggling at 11 for two while chasing a target of 305, but he turned the match around with a superb innings. He formed a crucial partnership of 156 runs with Will Jacks, who scored a stylish 84, ultimately finishing with an impressive score of 110 not out from 94 deliveries.
Rain interrupted what could have been a spectacular finish, but with England at 254 for four and needing only 51 runs off 74 balls when the rain set in, they claimed a solid 46-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. By the time play was ultimately called off due to evening rain at the Seat Unique Riverside, the outcome was already a mere formality, marking the end of Australia's 14-match winning streak in One Day Internationals. Despite a sluggish start with the bat, they managed to raise the stakes for England by scoring 104 runs in their last 10 overs and 44 runs in the final four overs.
Alex Carey, who was seen as a controversial figure last summer for his involvement in Jonny Bairstow's stumping during the Ashes, played a key role in propelling Australia to a total of 304 for seven, scoring an unbeaten 77. Meanwhile, Brydon Carse's performance was more impressive than his figures of one for 55 would indicate. The reigning champions were missing two crucial players, with Travis Head rested due to soreness and Adam Zampa sidelined by illness. However, England's determined performance provides a positive outlook for the concluding matches of the series at the Kia Oval and Bristol.
Mitchell Starc posed a significant threat to the chase at the beginning, quickly dismissing both opening batsmen. Phil Salt was dismissed for a duck after awkwardly turning the ball to midwicket, and Ben Duckett managed only eight runs before sending a yorker-length delivery to backward point. Jacks and Brook joined forces with the situation looking dire, yet they exhibited little sign of anxiety. They began to get the scoreboard ticking with a series of well-placed drives, and when Josh Hazlewood shortened his length, Brook unleashed a powerful cut shot.
Australia had accrued enough runs to dismiss any concerns when Jacks managed to evade a tight lbw call and edged past slip during the same over from Sean Abbott. However, the resurgence soon transformed into a more significant effort. There was a clear intent to put the bowlers under pressure, as Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, and Matthew Short all faced their initial deliveries of the match with aggression.
Brook's impressive six off Short, struck with an inside-out swing over long-on, propelled his team past the century mark with flair. The duo raced to fifty runs, with Brook achieving it in just 54 balls, outpacing his partner. Australia then brought back Starc in an attempt to regain control. However, the left-arm bowler's returning over was hit for 19 runs, as England's partnership at third wicket injected a sense of confidence into the game. For a time, every shot England played found success – Abbott scored a ramp shot while Brook executed a remarkable cut shot, with Jacks following up with a clean six. Yet, a bouncer strategy from Green ultimately changed the momentum.
Jacks stepped outside leg and top-edged a cut shot to deep third, while Jamie Smith attempted a pull shot but ended up hitting it straight to Maxwell on the boundary. As rain began to fall, England's primary task was to maintain a lead over the DLS par, and the introduction of Liam Livingstone helped them achieve that. He scored a quick 33 not out, including three sixes and two fours, but the loudest cheer erupted when Brook secured his first ODI century, striking Starc back over his head for four and then guiding the ball past the wicketkeeper for another four.
During the first innings, England maintained a strong control over the scoring rate for significant stretches, restricting Australia to 145 for four at the 30-over mark and 200 for five after 40 overs. However, they faltered in the closing stages, with Jofra Archer conceding 31 runs in his final 12 deliveries. He ended up with figures of two for 67, which included the wicket of Steve Smith for 60 runs. Brydon Carse appeared to be England's most threatening bowler and was unfortunate not to add to his tally after dismissing Mitch Marsh with an inswinger that narrowly evaded the off stump and took the outside edge.
