Harry Brook’s Century Helps England End Australia’s Winning Streak

Durham [UK], September 25: An explosive maiden ODI century from England’s stand-in skipper Harry Brook helped his team end Australia’s 14-match ODI winning streak at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday. England secured a 46-run victory by the DLS Method, marking their first win in the format since December 2023, and keeping the five-match series alive at 2-1.

Brook was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his century. England, chasing a target of 305, were struggling at 11/2 early in the innings. However, a 156-run partnership between Brook and Will Jacks, who scored 84 runs in 82 balls, turned the game in England’s favor. After Jacks’ dismissal, Liam Livingstone joined Brook and added a quickfire 33* in 20 balls, helping England move ahead of the DLS par score before rain interrupted the match.

For Australia, Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc took two wickets each. Earlier, after winning the toss, England chose to field and reduced Australia to 47/2. Steve Smith and Green stabilized the innings with an 84-run partnership. Australia was at 172/5 before Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell added 54 runs together, and Aaron Hardie’s quick 44 in 26 balls took Australia to 304/7 in their 50 overs.

Jofra Archer was the standout bowler for England with figures of 2/67. Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell, Livingstone, and Jacks each took a wicket. Australia’s winning streak, which began at last year’s major tournament, was halted just short of extending to 15 matches. The record for the longest winning streak in men’s ODIs is held by Australia’s 2003 team with 21 consecutive wins.

A victory would have also moved Australia to the top of the ICC ODI Men’s Team Rankings, but they remain three points behind India. Despite a series defeat to Afghanistan, South Africa holds third place. The fourth match of the series will be held on Friday.