ROOT’S SECOND TON SEALS SERIES WIN
TEST SKIPPER JOINS ODI CAPTAIN IN 186-RUN STAND TO STROLL TO VICTORY
Joe Root struck another century last night as England cruised to an eight-wicket success to seal their first oneday international series victory over India since 2011.
Root and Eoin Morgan’s unbroken third-wicket stand at Headingley was worth 186 - the former reaching three figures as he did at Lord’s on Saturday - as the top-ranked ODI side chased down 257 to record a timely series win ahead of next summer’s World Cup on home soil.
Yorkshire duo David Willey and Adil Rashid claimed three wickets apiece on their home ground, with the latter providing the day’s highlight from a viciously spinning delivery that bowled Virat Kohli to stun India’s captain.
Faced with a clearly attainable target thanks to the bowlers’ efforts, Root and Morgan operated with serenity by making respective unbeaten scores of 100 and 88 to see England home with 33 balls remaining.
They were aided by the opening pair’s rapid start. Jonny Bairstow’s 30 from 13 balls included seven fours and the recalled James Vince contributed 27 only to be run out in his first ODI appearance for almost two years.
Vince, in due to Jason Roy’s injury, will have felt he missed his opportunity having been slow to respond to Root’s call for a single and saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s sharp reactions produce a run out that left England 74-2.
Yet their efforts allowed Root and Morgan to be diligent against spin, with India’s tricky left-armer Kuldeep Yadav nullified after taking nine wickets across the previous two games.
India’s day was epitomised by Root surviving a stumping shout on 69, not due to him being safely in his crease but because bowler Yuzvendra Chahal was guilty of a front-foot no ball, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar then shelling a simple chance to send Morgan back as well.
It looked like the balance of the English duo’s partnership would mean neither made three figures but Root got there with a victory-clinching four that he celebrated with a ‘mic-drop’ of his bat.
As was the case at Lord’s, Morgan’s decision upon winning the toss had been curious. This time he inserted the tourists on a pitch that looked like benefiting Kuldeep and Co later on.
Yet England’s seamers produced a stingy start as India made only 32 from the first powerplay. With wickets tumbling, India’s hopes of a big total hinged on MS Dhoni but he again batted slowly, making 42 from 66 balls.