Cricket: Jacks stakes his claim in crowded top order

It was a breakthrough century for Harry Brook at Chester-le-Street, that sublime unbeaten 110 his first in oneday international cricket and a first against Australia in any format. But the contribution from Will Jacks was not insignificant either, especially given the potential squeeze when some of England's big guns return.

- Ali Martin

Striking 84 from 82 balls as Brook's rookie side dragged the one-day series back to 2-1 down with two to play, Jacks took the attack to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood despite England's troubling start that left them 11 for two. The right-hander now has four half-centuries from his first 10 ODIS and, given the quality of those two seamers and England's precarious situation, he understandably rated it as his best.

But there is a logjam on the horizon. While Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali were clearly dropped for this series - the latter calling time on his international career - England gave a heavy steer that Joe Root was simply being rested before the Test tour of Pakistan that departs next week. Come the tour of India next January and the Champions Trophy that follows, England's master batter is expected to return at No 3, the spot Jacks is currently occupying.