• 3rd ODI: England, 254-4, bt Australia, 304-7, by 46 runs (DLS)
• Captain unbeaten on 110 before bad weather ends match

On a chilly night at Chester-le-Street came an England performance to warm the cockles of the hardy home supporters. It was ended by late rain that swept in but through Harry Brook’s sublime unbeaten 110, this victory over Australia hinted at progress and clawed one back in a previously one-sided series.

The two teams travel to Lord’s for Friday’s fourth instalment with Australia, now 2-1 up, doubtless keen to seal matters at the ground that gave a number of them an earful during last summer’s Ashes. There was no such hostility here at the Riverside, only 14,000 supporters in zipped-up overcoats roaring England to the finish line before its damp conclusion and a 46-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.