A cold night at Chester-le-Street witnessed an England performance that warmed the hearts of the resilient home supporters. The match was cut short by late rain, but Harry Brook's magnificent unbeaten 110 led to a victory over Australia, signaling progress and narrowing the gap in a previously lopsided series. The teams now move to Lord's for the fourth match on Friday, with Australia leading 2-1 and eager to secure the series at a ground where they faced considerable hostility during last summer's Ashes.

There was no such animosity at the Riverside, where 14,000 bundled-up spectators cheered England to the finish line before the rain-soaked conclusion and a 46-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Set a target of 305 to win, England's chase began poorly with Mitchell Starc dismissing Phil Salt and Ben Duckett early. However, from a precarious 11 for two in the third over, Brook's brilliance and Will Jacks' spirited 84 from No 3 propelled England to 254 for four in the 38th over, well ahead of the required rate before the heavens opened.

Brook's innings, featuring 13 fours and two sixes, and his maiden ODI century from 87 balls, could be pivotal. The 25-year-old is still adjusting to the rhythms of 50-over cricket at the highest level due to the chaotic domestic schedule. This performance is a significant deposit in his experience bank. Brook's century, his first against Australia in any format, was built on a 156-run partnership with Jacks, who took the initial risks. Despite Cameron Green's double strike, Liam Livingstone's quickfire 33 ensured enough breathing room.

Australia's innings saw a strong finish, with 104 runs added in the final 10 overs, thanks to Alex Carey's second successive half-century and Aaron Hardie's 26-ball 44. Jofra Archer, returning from a break, took two for 36 in his first eight overs, dismissing Matthew Short and Steve Smith, the latter caught by Brydon Carse. Archer's final two overs leaked 31 runs, with Hardie hitting him for two sixes. England seemed short of a seamer, though Bethell and Jacks managed to dismiss Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne.

Liam Livingstone secured the wicket of Glenn Maxwell, while Carse was the standout bowler, delivering 10 overs of impactful bowling. Alex Carey had a close call on 25, but he otherwise managed the innings well. Despite Starc's early inroads, the absence of Adam Zampa due to illness and the older ball's behavior under lights meant the target was not insurmountable.