(Reuters) – A superb maiden ODI century by new captain Harry Brook led England to a dominant, rain-shortened DLS victory over Australia yesterday to keep the five-match series alive with two to play.
Australia, seeking a 15th successive ODI win, overcame difficult early conditions to post 304, with Steve Smith hitting a patient 60 and Aaron Hardie (44) and Alex Carey (77 not out) cutting loose in the final 10 overs.
After losing both openers early, Brook and Will Jacks then built an excellent partnership of 156 to swing the game England’s way.
After Jacks went for 84, Liam Livingstone smashed a quick unbeaten 33 as Brook moved serenely on to 110 but, on 254-4 with 51 needed from 74 balls, the rain began and England were eventually awarded a 46-run victory under a DLS calculation that had produced a revised target of 209 after their 37.4 overs.
