England captain Harry Brook led from the front with a maiden ODI century as his side beat world champions Australia by 46 runs in a rain-marred clash in Durham on Tuesday.

Victory at Chester-le-Street kept England alive in a five-match series at 2-1 down with two to play.

England slumped to 11-2, chasing 305 to win, after left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc removed openers Phil Salt (nought) and Ben Duckett (eight) in the space of four balls.

But Will Jacks (84) and Brook (110*) responded to the pressure of the situation by adding 156, with the third-wicket duo showing good judgement as well as shot-making skill.

Rain stopped play with England closing in on victory at 254-4 off 37.4 overs.

But they were 46 runs ahead of where they needed to be under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method for rain-affected matches.

And with a downpour meaning no more play was possible, it meant England had ended Australia’s run of 14 consecutive ODI wins.

Earlier, Australia made 304-7 after Brook won the toss.

Alex Carey was 77*, with star batsman Steven Smith making 60. England fast bowler Jofra Archer took 2-67.

The series continues at Lord’s on Friday.

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