Joe Root explained to bowler Gus Atkinson that his priority was securing the match win, even if it meant ending the innings on 99 not out, during England’s victory over India in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens.
England chased a 233‑run target. Root, who came to the crease after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett on the first ball, steered the side to a four‑wicket win and levelled the series.
Having recorded his 67th ODI half‑century, Root was set to convert it into his 21st century. With 12 runs required from the final eight overs, he stood on 97. After Root took a single off the start of the 43rd over – Bumrah’s last – Atkinson faced all but one ball of the next over, taking a single on the final delivery.
The situation placed Root at the non‑striker’s end for the 45th over. India tightened their field, and Prasidh Krishna opened with a wide (a short ball that bounced a touch too low). Root went to speak with Atkinson. With three runs needed, the number‑eight bowler pulled the next ball behind square, finishing unbeaten on 23 and securing the win with 35 balls remaining.
Root’s post‑match celebrations looked heartfelt, almost exaggerated, underscoring the significance of the victory ahead of a personal milestone.
“I wouldn’t have taken that single in the second‑last over,” said India captain Shubman Gill on BBC Test Match Special when asked how he might have felt in Root’s position. The England captain, meanwhile, remained unperturbed about missing a triple‑figure score.
“I told him to just get it done,” Root remarked. “If they set fields like that and give us a chance to win, let’s take it. It’s all about victory, and there’s nothing sweeter in cricket than seeing it through to the end when you’re chasing a target.”
Root became the first Englishman to finish an innings 99 not out in ODIs and the sixth player across all formats to achieve that at international level. He is the 17th man to record such an outcome in men’s ODI cricket.
“I don’t even know if I have been 99 not out before,” Root added with a smile.
The win sets up a high‑stakes series decider at Lord’s on Sunday and demonstrates that an unconventional, “ugly” victory can still be satisfying. It showcases England’s ability to adapt under pressure, a valuable lesson ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
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