Harry Brook Stars with Maiden ODI Century in England’s DLS Win Against Australia
Harry Brook Stars with Maiden ODI Century in England’s DLS Win Against Australia: A superb maiden ODI century from Harry Brook led England to a dominant, rain-shortened victory over Australia on Tuesday, keeping the five-match series alive with two games remaining. The game, decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, saw Brook’s 110* secure a 46-run win, taking England to victory in their chase of a revised target of 209 after 37.4 overs.
Australia, aiming for a 15th successive ODI win, posted a competitive total of 304 runs despite challenging conditions. The absence of in-form opener Travis Head, combined with a sticky pitch and overcast conditions, saw Australia take a cautious approach early on. Steve Smith anchored the innings with a patient 60, building partnerships with Aaron Hardie (44) and Alex Carey (77*), who accelerated the scoring in the final 10 overs.
Smith’s knock was curtailed by an incredible running catch by Brydon Carse off Jofra Archer, leaving Australia at 172-5 after 35 overs. Though Marnus Labuschagne fell for a duck, Glenn Maxwell’s quickfire 30 and Cameron Green’s steady 42 kept Australia in the game. Carey, playing a captain’s innings, hit his highest score of the series, finishing unbeaten on 77, and helped lift Australia’s total to a formidable 304.
England’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Mitchell Starc dismissing both openers in quick succession, leaving the hosts at 11-2. However, new captain Harry Brook and Will Jacks combined to stabilize the innings, putting together a brilliant partnership of 156. Brook’s confident shot-making and Jacks’ aggressive 84 anchored England’s response.
With 51 runs required from 74 balls and the team on 254-4, rain interrupted play, and England were declared winners under the DLS method. Brook, who played a captain’s knock of 110*, was the standout performer, supported by a late flourish from Liam Livingstone, who hit an unbeaten 33 to secure England’s position well above the DLS par score.
Steve Smith’s composed 60 gave Australia a platform, but his dismissal halted their progress at a crucial moment. Brook’s unbeaten 110 not only led England to victory but also marked his first ODI century, a key milestone in his captaincy. Liam Livingstone’s quick 33 ensured England stayed ahead of the DLS par score as rain loomed.
With two matches remaining and the series now at 2-1 in Australia’s favor, England will look to carry the momentum from this win into the next game at Lord’s on Friday. Australia, on the other hand, will need to regroup, especially if key spinner Adam Zampa remains unavailable due to illness. This victory offers England a renewed sense of confidence after two consecutive defeats, while Australia will aim to tighten up their bowling as they seek to close out the series.
