Cricket news: Joe Root leads England to series-levelling ODI win over India in Cardiff

Joe Root England ODI vs India
Joe Root England ODI vs India

Joe Root struck an unbeaten 99 as England claimed a four-wicket win over India at Sophia Gardens to level the ODI series at 1-1.

England recovered from a disastrous start that saw Ben Duckett dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah (1-45) off the first ball of the innings to chase down the target of 234 with 5.5 overs remaining.

After Sam Curran (26 off 31) fell to Shivam Dube (1-32), Root and Will Jacks (30 off 44) shared a vital 72-run stand before Gus Atkinson (23no off 16) finished the job in Cardiff.

Earlier, Virat Kohli (65 off 66) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71) had top-scored for India, with the hosts’ seam attack sparkling thanks to Jofra Archer (3-47) and Atkinson (3-50).

The result sets up a series-deciding showdown at Lord’s on Sunday, with play getting underway at 11am UK time.

‘The best feeling in cricket’

Player of the match Root told Sky Sports: “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.

“[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.

“It was difficult to bat in the whole game. We did a brilliant job to peg India back and that allowed us to bat time and soak up pressure.

“I thought we did that well as a whole. Sometimes you need to win scrappy and ugly – and we now go to Lord’s with everything to play for.”

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Brook praises ‘phenomenal player’ Root

Reflecting on Root’s masterclass of an innings, England captain Harry Brook said: “He is a phenomenal player. You can learn so much off him, in the changing room as well.

“He is a great bloke to have around. He always seems to turn up when we need him the most.

“He has been one of the best in the world for many years now at rotating strike.

“I remember an innings he played a couple of years ago when he only hit three fours and got a hundred.”

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Holding the fort by himself

Analysing the game, Sky Sports’ Mark Butcher added: “Over the course of a long stretch of time, Root has been in batting line-ups that have lived up to expectations or fallen short.

“At the moment, in both Test and ODI cricket, he is holding the fort almost by himself.

“You wonder at times whether some of the players around him are learning that lesson about valuing your wicket.

“Sometimes it is as simple as that – ‘How valuable is my wicket and am I willing to guts it out through the hard times or am I going to donate my wicket to the opposition and leave it up to somebody else?’

“Root does not leave it up to other people.”

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By Michael Davey

Michael completed a Digital Media & Film degree at the University of Cape Town.

He is a Manchester United fan who also follows cricket, tennis, and rugby union, primarily supporting the Springboks and Proteas.

When all else fails, Michael enjoys data analysis and creating engaging sports content.

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