Wed Sep 25 18:55:34 UTC 2024: ## Brook’s Century Fuels England to Rain-Shortened Victory over Australia

**Manchester, England:** England’s stand-in captain, Harry Brook, smashed a maiden ODI century to lead his side to a crucial 46-run victory over Australia in a rain-affected third ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday. The win trimmed Australia’s lead in the five-match series to 2-1.

Brook, at just 25 years and 215 days, became the youngest England captain to score an ODI century, surpassing the record held by Alastair Cook since 2010. The young batter came to the crease with England struggling at 11-2, but he played a counter-attacking innings, scoring a sensational 110 off 94 balls.

His knock included 13 boundaries and two sixes, helping England recover from a shaky start. Brook’s partnership with Will Jacks (84 runs) for the third wicket turned the tide of the match, putting England in a strong position.

With Liam Livingstone’s explosive 33 off 20 balls, England were comfortably ahead on the DLS score when rain interrupted play in the 38th over. The match was eventually called off, giving England a victory via the DLS method.

Earlier, Australia posted a competitive total of 304-7, thanks to Alex Carey’s unbeaten 77 and a late cameo by Aaron Hardie (44). Steve Smith also contributed a patient 60, but the innings lost momentum after the quick dismissals of Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne.

Australia’s 14-match winning streak in ODIs, which began during the 2023 World Cup, came to an abrupt end with the loss in the third ODI. The defending champions had been on a roll, winning the World Cup for a record sixth time and then whitewashing the West Indies earlier this year.

The series now heads to Durham for the fourth ODI on Wednesday, with England looking to level the series.

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