LONDON, July 19: Ben Duckett struck a magnificent century, while Jacob Bethell and Joe Root scored fluent half-centuries as England piled up a daunting 387/3 against India in the third and final One-Day International at Lord’s on Sunday.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler provided a blistering finish with an unbeaten 41 off just 13 balls as England smashed 82 runs in the final five overs.
India now face the formidable task of chasing 388 on a surface expected to offer assistance to seamers. History also favors the team batting first at Lord’s, with each of the previous five ODIs at the venue having been won by the side setting the target.
After captain Harry Brook elected to bat, England’s openers dominated from the outset. Duckett and Bethell put together a record-breaking 192-run opening partnership, dismantling the Indian bowling attack.
Duckett led the charge with a superb 141, mixing aggressive stroke play with controlled shot-making throughout his innings. Bethell narrowly missed out on a century, scoring a fluent 91 to give England the perfect platform.
Following the opening stand, Root maintained the momentum with an elegant 74 off 48 balls before Buttler’s explosive cameo lifted the hosts to an imposing total.
India entered the series decider without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out after suffering reactive swelling in his left knee following an injury sustained during the second ODI in Cardiff.
The Indian bowling attack struggled throughout the innings. Prasidh Krishna claimed two wickets, while Prince Yadav picked up one. None of India’s bowlers managed an economy rate below six runs per over.
Young seamer Gurnoor Brar endured a particularly difficult outing, conceding 97 runs in his 10 overs. His figures became the most expensive in an ODI at Lord’s, surpassing Karsan Ghavri’s previous record of 81 runs in 11 overs against England in 1975. (ANI)
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