Joe Root etched his name into England’s record books by becoming the first batter from the country to register six consecutive fifty-plus scores in One-Day Internationals during the series-deciding third ODI against India at Lord’s on Sunday. The former England captain continued his remarkable consistency with an unbeaten 74 off just 49 balls, extending an extraordinary run of scores that now reads 61, 75, 111 not out, 76 not out, 99 not out and 74. Root’s latest knock came as England piled up a daunting 387 for 3 after being asked to bat first in the final match of the three-match series. The innings also marked Root’s third successive half-century of the series, having remained unbeaten with scores of 76 and 99 in the opening two matches. His latest effort ensured he became the first England batter to record six successive ODI innings of 50 or more. England’s imposing total was built on a dominant 192-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell. Duckett led the charge with a magnificent 141, while Bethell contributed a fluent 91 as the pair dismantled an inexperienced Indian pace attack. India sorely missed Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the decider because of reactive swelling in his left knee following an impact injury sustained during the second ODI. Without their premier fast bowler, the visitors struggled to contain England’s batters, with the four-man pace attack conceding runs at regular intervals. After Duckett and Bethell laid the foundation, Root ensured England maintained the momentum. Accelerating through the closing overs, he struck another composed half-century before Jos Buttler added a blistering unbeaten 41 from only 13 deliveries to push England close to the 400-run mark. Root’s latest milestone further underlined his exceptional form in the format as England strengthened their position in the decisive encounter with another commanding batting display.
