Last Updated on 3 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
England levelled the three-match ODI series against India thanks to a masterful 99* off 133 balls by the great Joe Root. In a world of big sixes and players looking to hit their way out of trouble, Root sent another reminder of his brilliance by guiding England home in a tricky chase through patience and composure.
Chasing 234 at Cardiff, England found themselves in trouble at 125/5 when Jos Buttler was bowled by Axar Patel. Root and Will Jacks stitched together a 72-run stand, but the latter’s ungainly shot kept the door open for India.
However, Gus Atkinson (23* off 16 balls) struck three fours and a six to seal England’s victory.
Joe Root 99*: Debates as to whether Gus Atkinson should have let the great England batter reach his hundred
Atkinson took a single off the final ball of the 44th over. He then hit the winning boundary on the first ball of the 45th. It meant Root was stranded on 99.
It led to debates on social media especially in light of Shubman Gill’s remarks. “I wouldn’t have taken that single in the second-last over,” he said after the match.
However, Root himself said winning the game is most important.
“I said smack it as far as you can mate. You’ve got to just win the game,” he said via England Cricket’s official social media channel. “And if there’s an opportunity to get the job done, you don’t leave anything to chance. You just get it done.”
Here are some of the reactions on social media.
Lord’s will host the third and deciding ODI on Sunday.
