England has won a rain-affected third ODI against Australia, as an impressive knock from Harry Brook kept his team alive in the series.
The DLS method came into use in the match which resulted in a 46-run win for England, breaking an Australian 14-game winning streak.
Harry Brook stepped in as captain for injured Ben Stokes, who tore his hamstring in August. The acting captain had a historic performance totalling 110 not out off 94 deliveries, leading his side to victory.
It wasn’t looking good for the Aussies at 4-132, but keeper Alex Carey came in and showed up again. He put up 77 not out off 65, and England were set a target of 305 for victory. Unfortunately for Australia it wasn’t enough to hold off the English push.
Carey’s performance now puts pressure on Australian selectors as usual keeper Josh Inglis recovers from a quad injury. The high score is Carey’s third straight half century in an international innings, exemplifying his fine form.
Acting England captain Brook said it was “nice to get the first one on the board”, hopefully with more to come.
“We just have to keep doing what we said we are going to do and keep being positive, take the game to them and put them under pressure,” he said. “That should stand us in good stead.”
Australian captain Mitch Marsh said he thought that his team did “extremely well” to get over 300 considering the conditions.
“I thought 250 after [that] start was going to be awesome, so with 300 we were in the game at the half way mark,” he said.
“In one-day cricket with a big partnership you can set the game up for yourself, fair play to them.”
Australian spin-bowler Adam Zampa missed the match due to illness. Marsh said he was a big miss, and “whenever you’re missing someone like him it’s hard work”.
Australia still lead the five-match series 2-1. The fourth match of the series will be on Friday 27 November at 9:30pm AEST as Australia look to get their all important third victory.
Photo: Durham Riverside Aerial by Martin Le Roy is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.
