England Crush Australia to Level ODI Series

England delivered a commanding performance to level the ODI series against Australia with a dominant 186-run victory in a rain-shortened match at Lord’s. Stand-in captain Harry Brook starred with a brilliant 87 off 58 balls while Ben Duckett’s half-century and a blistering 62* from just 27 balls by Liam Livingstone powered England to 312-5 in 39 overs.

Livingstone’s late onslaught including a 25-ball fifty and 28 runs off Mitchell Starc’s final over, set new records for the fastest ODI fifty at Lord’s and the most sixes (12) in an ODI at the venue. In response, Australia started strongly reaching 66-0 after eight overs. However, England’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Brydon Carse bowled Travis Head sparking a collapse that saw Australia crumble from 68-0 to 126 all out in 24.4 overs.

Matthew Potts excelled with 4-38 while Carse finished with 3-36 and Jofra Archer added 2-33. England’s bowlers were relentless taking wickets consistently under the lights as Australia failed to mount a serious challenge. Brook fresh off his maiden ODI hundred played with effortless power and control, laying the foundation after early contributions from Duckett and Phil Salt.

Despite a brief scare when Australia thought they had caught Brook, he continued his fine form until Adam Zampa dismissed him 13 runs short of a second century. With this comprehensive win, England forced a series decider in Bristol, fighting back after trailing 2-0. Brook expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance while Australia captain Mitchell Marsh acknowledged England’s dominance. The stage is now set for a thrilling finale.