ENG vs IND: Ice-cool Joe Root helps complete tense chase as England level series in Cardiff

England’s Mr Reliable Joe Root ensured that they levelled the three-match series against India 1-1, with a comfortable 4-wicket win in the second ODI on Thursday, July 16, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. After being put in to bat first, India faced a dramatic collapse in the latter stages of the innings to be bundled out for 233 in 44 overs, despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71).

Jofra Archer continued his menace over the Men in Blue with a three-wicket haul and had the support of Gus Atkinson (3/50, 9 overs), who also chipped in with three wickets, while Saqib Mahmood (2/52, 9 overs) scalped two wickets.

In reply, England were rocked early, losing both openers, Ben Duckett (0 off 1) and Jacob Bethell (4 off 10) cheaply. However, Joe Root held one end and stitched crucial partnerships throughout the batting order, holding the innings together with a majestic knock. Thanks to his gutsy effort, England chased down the target in 44.1 overs to draw level in the series.

Meanwhile, Indian bowlers fought hard to keep their team in the game with Gurnoor Brar (2/67), Jasprit Bumrah (1/45) and Axar Patel (1/35, 9 overs) striking regularly throughout the innings. However, the absence of Washington Sundar on the pitch, who got injured while batting, added to India's woes after they were restricted to a low score.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Joe Root was adjudged Player of the Match for his magnificent innings of 99* (133), laced with nine fours. He got involved in a crucial stand with Will Jacks (30 off 44) for the sixth wicket of 72 runs (86 balls). Root was left stranded on 99* as Gus Atkinson scored a boundary to complete the chase in the 45th over. However, he wasn't too displeased on missing out on the milestone.

Turning Point

India were in a strong position, eyeing a total in excess of 300, being on 177/3 after 31 overs with a well-set Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer at the crease. The duo was involved in an unbeaten 67-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, Jofra Archer helped his team to make a comeback into the game, dismissing Kohli for the second successive time as he was caught at third man. 

His dismissal further sparked a collapse for the Men in Blue as they lost wickets in clusters to get bundled out for just 233 in 44 overs. As a result, India lost the last seven wickets for just 55 runs off 75 deliveries. Hence, Kohli’s wicket was a huge turning point in the context of the game.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Harry Brook (England): 

We are still in the series, looking forward to Sunday. It was a phenomenal effort by our bowlers. When Sam and Jacks were bowling, they held the innings really well. To bowl them to 230 was ridiculous. We will pick the XI based on the conditions. He (Root) is a phenomenal player, can always learn from him. He has been one of the best in the world for many years. He is remarkable. He is a phenomenal rotator of strike, that's a major part in ODI cricket. We just take everyday as it comes. Looking towards Sunday now, and see what the conditions there are.

Losing Captain, Shubman Gill (India):

Quite disappointing to be honest. We were at a good position after 25 overs, but we lost too many wickets. We know our tail-enders the best batsmen, but we expected a lot more from them. We will try to build small partnerships next time. Sundar is a key part of our team, he got injured while batting. We had to bowl our main bowlers, so I don't think it would've made a big difference. There was a bit of momentum loss for us. Root is the master of chasing such kind of totals.