Australian coach Andrew McDonald says the performances of Alex Carey in his return to the ODI team have been “no real surprise” as he prepares to return to Lord’s for the first time since last year’s controversial Ashes Test after back-to-back half centuries in England.

Carey made an unbeaten 77 at Chester-Le-Street in the third clash with England as captain Harry Brook slammed a maiden ODI hundred in a winning innings for his side, a victory that ended Australia’s 14-match winning streak.

After being brought into the team as cover for injured keeper Josh Inglis, having lost his place in the side last summer, Carey made 74 in the second match and was Australia’s leading run-scorer in the loss, which gives the home team a chance of levelling the series in match four at Lord’s.

It will be Australia’s first visit to the ground since Carey’s infamous run-out of England batter Jonny Bairstow that sparked ugly scenes in the Lord’s members, with some banned for life after abusing the Australians as they left the field.

Carey was booed when he went out to bat at Headingley and McDonald lauded Carey’s efforts in match three.

He said there was room for both he and Inglis in the same side should circumstances dictate it.

“It’s always something we will consider. If you think back sort of 12 months ago, we had Ingo and Kez in the same team,” he said after the 68-run loss.

“So it’s quite possible and the way that Alex is batting is very impressive. He’s played a lot of international cricket, so the way he’s performed isn’t a real surprise to us.”

Australian captain Mitch Marsh lauded his opposite number, Brook, as “just too good” after he made 110 and with Will Jacks (84) laid the platform for a composed England run chase of Australia’s 7-304.

The home side was 4-254 in the 38th over when rain hit, leaving them well ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis system.

Australia rested red-hot Travis Head for the clash, and on a sluggish wicket, the batters battled, leaving them without enough runs to defend bowling without spin star Adam Zampa who was ill.

“Honestly, I thought 250 after our start would be awesome,” Marsh said.

“It was hard work. For us to get to 300 was really good. We were well and truly in the game at halfway, but England were too good with the bat.”

Marsh said Zampa was a big out but would likely return for the fourth game at Lord’s.

“He’s so valuable for us. We tried everything we had, but he was a big miss. We’ll welcome him back in a few days time at Lord’s.”

Steve Smith also managed to make 60 off 92 balls, Cameron Green made 42 off 49 and Aaron Hardie closed the innings with two sixes as he made 44 off just 26 balls.

But Australia’s bowling attack then struggled to get through the English line-up who were well ahead in the run chase when the rain came. The win was England’s first ODI victory since December and Australia’s first loss since last October in India.