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An explosive maiden ODI century from England stand-in skipper Harry Brook helped his side halt Australia's 14-ODI win streak at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
England claimed a 46-run win by DLS Method, their first win in the format since December 2023, to keep the five-match series alive at 2-1. Brook was given the 'Player of the Match' award for his ton. England looked on the back foot, being given a target of 305 for victory and falling to 11/2 early in the chase, before a partnership of 156 between Brook and Will Jacks (84 in 82 balls, with nine fours and a six) swung the tide in the hosts' favour. Following Jacks' dismissal, Liam Livingstone joined Brook and scored a quickfire 33* in 20 balls with two boundaries and three sixes, which helped hosts move ahead of the DLS par score once rain intervened in the chase. Cameron Green (2/45) and Mitchell Starc (2/63) were among the wickets for Australia. After winning the toss, England opted to field first and had reduced Australia to 47/2 before an 84-run stand between Steve Smith (60 in 82 balls, with five fours) and Green (42 in 49 balls, with four boundaries) helped bring some stability. While Australia was reduced to 172/5 at one point, a 54-run partnership between Alex Carey (77* in 65 balls, with seven fours and a six) and Glenn Maxwell (30 in 25 balls, with five fours) and a quickfire cameo of 44 in 26 balls from Aaron Hardie, consisting of three fours and two sixes, took Australia to 304/7 in their 50 overs. Jofra Archer (2/67) was the pick of the bowlers for England. Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell, Livingstone and Jacks got a scalp each. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 winners had the chance to extend their ODI winning streak to 15, what would have been two matches clear as the second-best winning streak in the men's format, with their stretch beginning at last year's major tournament. Australia's 2003 group holds the record with 21 matches on the bounce, in a run that included Cricket World Cup glory in the same year. It's their compatriots on the women's side who also have bragging rights, with 26 back-to-back wins between 2018 and 2021. A victory would have also meant Australia nudged India off top spot on the ICC ODI Men's Team Rankings, though defeat means they sit three ratings points back from top spot (118 ratings points). Despite their series defeat to Afghanistan, South Africa holds third position, though they have lost ground on the top two teams (108 rating points). Match four of the five-match ODI series between Australia and England is held on Friday. (ANI)
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