Joe Root produced another trademark innings, remaining unbeaten on 99 as England overcame a few nervy moments to secure a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.
The home team was still suffering at 8-2 and 125-5 on a two-paced pitch when Root stepped in to bat with England 0-1 after Ben Duckett was caught behind off Jasprit Bumrah from the first ball of the session.
For the first time in his lengthy career, Root led an England comeback as they chased down a modest goal of 234 with 35 balls left, making Sunday’s match at Lord’s against the top-ranked ODI team in the world a series decider.
The recalled Gus Atkinson, riding his luck with a few streaky knocks, pulled Prasidh Krishna for four, preventing the former England skipper from reaching his 21st ODI century despite facing 133 balls and hitting nine fours.
“In those conditions, on that pitch, to be there at the end and get the job done is probably the best feeling you can get in cricket,” AFP quoted Root, the player of the match, telling Sky Sports.
“(I was left on 99) but that is not what you play for. You play to win games and this series is very much alive,” added the 35-year-old after England had lost 14 of their previous 20 One-Day Internationals.
“Sometimes you need to win scrappy and ugly and we now go to Lord’s with everything to play for,” said Root, who also commended England for limiting India to 233 all out with their redesigned attack.
Before captain Harry Brook succumbed to a hesitant scoop, Jacob Bethell nicked a rising delivery from Krishna to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, making England 8-2. England were struggling at 94-4 when Sam Curran (22) was smartly caught standing up to the stumps by Kishan off Shivam Dube.
After scoring 76 not out in India’s six-wicket victory in Tuesday’s opening match at Edgbaston, Root reached his second half-century in three days with a fifty off 76 balls. Will Jacks rose up to be Root’s dependable ally.
After making 30, however, Jacks gifted his wicket away by backing away towards the leg side and slapping pacer Gurnoor Brar straight to the fielder at extra cover. Root reacted with visible frustration, throwing his head back in anguish as England slipped to 197-6, handing India renewed hope.
https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2077863593513754986?s=20
Earlier, after Brook won the toss, Jofra Archer led an improved England bowling performance, with the express quick taking 3-47. When Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) were at the crease, India, who were well-positioned at 104-1, were aiming for a total above 300.
“It was quite disappointing. We thought 300, 310 would be a good total after 25 overs but we lost too many wickets in the middle overs,” said India captain Shubman Gill, dismissed for 31 on Thursday following his 80 at Edgbaston.
This series may be the final time the illustrious 37-year-old Kohli plays for India in England since he has already retired from Test and Twenty20 international cricket.
Chants of “Kohli, Kohli, Kohli” reverberated across the stadium as he demonstrated his class by straight-driving Curran for four to reach a run-a-ball fifty.
Iyer smashed leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a spectacular straight six shortly after being dropped on 25.
After Archer’s top edge flew to Rashid at third man, England dismissed Kohli. Archer then reduced India to 193-7 with successive deliveries.
Iyer smashed leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a spectacular straight six shortly after being dropped on 25. After Archer’s top edge flew to Rashid at third man, England dismissed Kohli. Archer then reduced India to 193-7 with successive deliveries.
