Lawrence ton squares one-day series

Essex batsman Dan Lawrence scored his second century in three matches as England U-19s chased down Australia's demanding 294 with four wickets and two balls to spare at New Road to earn a share of the series.

Lawrence added 104 in 19 overs for the first wicket with Adam Hickey and 101 in 17 overs with Jack Burnham for the second as he anchored England's innings with 106 from 129 deliveries. Burnham had upped the ante, reaching a 42-ball half-century before falling leg-before to spinner Arjun Nair.

When Lawrence became the third wicket to fall, caught behind off Nair - one of four dismissals for wicketkeeper Tom Healy - England still required 60 off 47 balls but efficient innings from captain Aneurin Donald and Callum Taylor, who fell in the final over, took them to within an inch of the target after heavy rain briefly forced the players from the field. It was left to Brad Taylor of Hampshire to hit the winning runs, with wicketkeeper Tom Moores - son of former England coach Peter - at the other end on debut.

Australia's intimidating target was built around an even greater opening partnership as Caleb Jewell and Jordan Gauci shared 196 in 38.5 overs. Like Lawrence, Jewell made 106, while Gauci was dismissed seven runs short of a century by a fine catch from Burnham off the bowling of Hugh Bernard, who picked up three wickets.

Despite losing six wickets in the last 12 overs, the Australians scored quickly, in part thanks to a quickfire 27 from captain Jake Doran and an impressive finish from Jhye Richardson. It proved enough to set up an exciting climax to the game, but not enough for Australia to prevail.