Root century sets up Lord’s series leveller

CRICKET: Joe Root’s century helped England see off India by 86 runs at Lord’s and retain their status as the world’s top-ranked one-day international outfit.

Root (pictured) equalled Marcus Trescothick’s England record of 12 ODI centuries with his 113 as the hosts prevailed, levelling their threematch series at 1-1.

The victor of Tuesday’s clash at Headingley will now take the spoils of this series — but even if India win in Leeds, England will retain their world No 1 spot.

Root’s first ODI century since March’s 102 in Dunedin in New Zealand paved the way for England’s win, with David Willey’s unbeaten 50 a useful late bonus in their 322 for seven.

Liam Plunkett took four for 46 and Adil Rashid two for 38 as England restricted India to 236 all out from their full 50 overs.