England seal series win with Root ton

Joe Root struck another century as England cruised to an eight-wicket success at Headingley to seal their first one-day international series victory over India since 2011.

Root and Eoin Morgan’s unbroken third-wicket stand 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.

This decider was being viewed as a dress rehearsal for the knock-out phase of that tournament and England produced a strong collective showing having restricted the tourists to 256 for eight.

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 to 260 for two with 33 balls remaining.

They were aided by the opening pair’s rapid start too.

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 for two.

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.

England’s seamers had produced a stingy start as India made only 32 from the first powerplay as India posted a score that never looked like being enough.