Joe Root leads England to series win with sublime century in Cardiff | Cricket News – Times of India

Joe Root produced a classic masterclass in Cardiff on Sunday, smashing an unbeaten 166 to information England to an exciting three-wicket win over West Indies in the second ODI and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. In a chase that started with catastrophe—England had been reeling at 2 for two after geese from openers Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett—Root stood tall. His 18th ODI century got here in his 168th look, however extra importantly, it noticed him leapfrog Eoin Morgan to grow to be England’s all-time main run-scorer in ODIs. Root now stands as the primary English batter to breach the 7,000-run mark in the format. England hunted down the West Indies’ goal of 309 with seven balls to spare, thanks to Root’s calm amid chaos. His innings was constructed on key partnerships—first an 85-run stand with captain Harry Brook (47), and later a match-turning sixth-wicket partnership price 143 runs off simply 120 balls with Will Jacks (49), which took the sport away from the guests.

The West Indies, vastly improved from their heavy 238-run defeat at Edgbaston, had earlier posted 308 runs, using on Keacy Carty’s maiden century (103). He was ably supported by skipper Shai Hope (78) and Brandon King (59), with the trio pushing the guests to 205 for two at one stage. But England’s bowlers responded in model. Adil Rashid (4/63) and Saqib Mahmood (3/37) led the fightback, triggering a collapse that denied West Indies a extra imposing whole.Quiz: Who’s that IPL participant? Despite a spirited effort from Alzarri Joseph, who claimed 4 for 31 in a terrific 10-over spell, the Windies couldn’t break Root’s rhythm. The seasoned No. 3 was composed, medical, and unflustered—displaying the type of temperament England have lengthy relied on him for. This match additionally marked the primary series win below Harry Brook’s captaincy, giving England a confidence increase forward of the ultimate ODI at The Oval on Tuesday. For Root, although, it was extra than simply one other match—it was an announcement. The quiet Yorkshireman, so usually the unsung hero in England’s white-ball equipment, now wears the crown because the nation’s most prolific ODI batter.