At Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, England’s stand-in captain Harry Brook scored an explosive century in his first ODI match, helping his team end Australia’s 14-match winning run.

With their first victory in the format since December 2023, England prevailed by 46 runs using the DLS Method to maintain a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. ‘Player of the Match’ went to Brook in recognition of his ton.

With a target of 305 to win and behind 11/2 early in the chase, England seemed to be on the back foot. However, a partnership of 156 between Will Jacks and Brook (84 in 82 balls, including nine fours and a six) turned the tide in favor of the hosts. After Jacks was out, Liam Livingstone came in to bat for Brook. He quickly put up 33* in 20 balls with two boundaries and three sixes, helping the hosts surpass the DLS par total when rain stopped the chase.

Australia’s wickets were Mitchell Starc (2/63) and Cameron Green (2/45).

Following the toss, England chose to field first and got Australia down to 47/2 when Steve Smith (60 in 82 balls, five fours) and Green (42 in 49 balls, four boundaries) had an 84-run partnership that helped restore some security. After being lowered to 172/5 at one point, Australia reached 304/7 in their 50 overs thanks to 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). Aaron Hardie also scored a quick-fire cameo of 44 in 26 balls, consisting of three fours and two sixes.

For England, Jofra Archer (2/67) was the best bowler. Each of Livingstone, Jacks, Jacob Bethell, and Brydon Carpenter received a scalp.

With their run starting in last year’s big event, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 champions had the opportunity to extend their ODI winning streak to 15, which would have been two matches clear of the second-best winning streak in the men’s format.

With 21 straight wins, including a World Cup victory in the same year, Australia’s 2003 squad now owns the record. With 26 consecutive victories between 2018 and 2021, their female counterparts also have the right to boast. Australia now sits three ratings points down from the top place (118 ratings points) after losing, although a win would have also moved them closer to the top of the ICC ODI Men’s Team Rankings.

South Africa is now ranked third; however, they have lost ground to the top two teams (108 rating points) despite their series loss to Afghanistan.

This Friday is the fourth match of Australia and England’s five-match ODI series.