Root’s ton guides England to 322/7

LONDON: Joe Root returned to form with an unbeaten century, his 12th of career, to steer England to a competitive 322 for seven against India in their must-win second ODI at Lord’s here today.

Root scored an unbeaten 113 off 116 balls while skipper Eoin Morgan (53 off 51 balls) and all-rounder David Willey (50 off 31 balls) contributed with useful half-centuries as England crossed the 300-run mark after opting to bat in the penultimate match of the three-match series.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was again the most successful bowler for India with figures of 3 for 68 while Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Hardik Pandya picked up a wicket apiece.

Jason Roy (40) and Jonny Bairstow (38) provided a quick start to England’s innings as they put on 69 for the opening wicket off 62 balls.

Umesh (1/63) and Siddarth Kaul found some swing with the new ball, but failed to provide early breakthroughs.

As the openers started to play more shots and boundaries flowed, India brought on Hardik Pandya (1/70) into the attack in only the fifth over.

The move didn’t yield any result as the all-rounder was taken for 21 runs in his first two-over spell.

Chahal (1/43) was then introduced into the attack in the ninth over, followed by Kuldeep two overs later and the latter struck with his second ball in the 11th over.

Kuldeep bowled Bairstow as the batsman went for a sweep and the ball hit the stumps after ricocheting off his pads. (AGENCIES)

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