England captain Harry Brook struck his first ODI century before his team clinched a 46-run win by the DLS method to keep alive the series against Australia.

Chasing 305 to win the third ODI, England were 254/4 — with Brook unbeaten on 110 — when heavy rain lashed the ground in the day-night match at Chester-le-Street.

The teams didn’t get back on the field and England were well ahead on the run-rate.

Australia, who had cruised to dominant wins at Southampton and Leeds in this five-match series, saw their lead trimmed to 2-1 bringing an end to their 14-match winning run in ODIs. During that streak, the team won the Cricket World Cup in India last year. Coming to the crease with England in trouble on 11/2, Brook took on Australia’s seam attack by hitting 13 fours and two sixes in a 94-ball knock.

“I’m relieved, for sure. It’s just nice to see some rewards,” said Brook, who gained his first win as stand-in skipper for the injured Jos Buttler. “I’m just glad I managed to play the way I wanted to. It’s nice to get that first hundred on the board.

“I feel like I’ve been a little bit stop-start this summer. I’ve had a lot of starts — 30s and 40s — and then not managed to convert. To do that today, I feel like I’m back in a good place.”

Australia were put into bat and, mainly thanks to Alex Carey’s unbeaten 77 and No. 8 batter Aaron Hardie’s 44 off 26, posted 304/7 in their 50 overs.

Brief scores: Australia 304/7 in 50 overs (Alex Carey not out 77, Jofra Archer 2/67); England 254/4 in 37.4 overs (Harry Brook 110 not out, Will Jacks 84). England won by 46 runs (DLS method).

Written with AP/PTI inputs