Rohit Sharma achieved a significant milestone at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the venue. His performance came during India‘s chase in the series-deciding third match against England on Sunday. This landmark innings occurred amidst scrutiny regarding his ODI future, with some speculation suggesting the Lord’s fixture could be his final appearance in the format.
The 39-year-old batter’s century also made him the oldest Indian to score an ODI century and the oldest Indian batter to register a century across all international formats. At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit Sharma surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record for an ODI hundred at 38 years and 327 days.
This century further enhanced Rohit Sharma‘s record in England, marking his eighth ODI hundred in the country. This achievement places him level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick. Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI centuries in England, has scored more hundreds in the country. Rohit Sharma‘s eight centuries in England also moved him ahead of several international players who have seven centuries each in a single visiting nation.
England’s Dominant First Innings
The innings gained additional importance as India pursued a substantial target. England had posted 387 for 3 in their first innings. Ben Duckett scored 141 and formed a 192-run opening partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 91. England‘s batting performance was against an inexperienced Indian pace attack, which was missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Joe Root continued his strong form with an unbeaten 74, while Jos Buttler‘s quick 41 not out from 13 balls helped England achieve the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord’s. Facing this large target and external pressure, Rohit Sharma‘s century was a notable response, keeping India‘s hopes alive and securing his place in Lord’s history as the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at the venue.
The match saw England score 387 for 3 in 50 overs, with Ben Duckett making 141, Jacob Bethell 91, Joe Root 74 not out, and Jos Buttler 41 not out. Arshdeep Singh took 2 for 72 for India.
Rohit’s Statement Innings
Questions about Rohit Sharma‘s future were prominent as he arrived at Lord’s for the third ODI against England. The pressure intensified after England‘s large total of 387 for 3. Without Jasprit Bumrah, who had an impact injury, the Indian bowling attack appeared less effective. The total, which was the highest at the venue, put Rohit Sharma under considerable pressure to deliver a significant performance.
Rohit Sharma batted for approximately 175 minutes, scoring 138 runs from 110 balls before being dismissed. He began his innings cautiously alongside Shubman Gill, who scored 77 and helped set the pace. Rohit Sharma accelerated his scoring, particularly against Josh Tongue and Sam Curran, using his experience to manipulate the field and disrupt the bowlers’ lengths. He reached his 50 from 50 balls and then increased his tempo.
His partnership with Virat Kohli, who scored 74, was crucial. The two batters maintained the run rate, with Rohit Sharma reaching his 36th ODI hundred in 84 balls in the 31st over against Adil Rashid. Despite the understated celebration, the moment was significant, with Kohli embracing him and his family in the stands reacting emotionally. Rohit Sharma continued to seek boundaries, ensuring at least one in each over from Curran and Bethell between overs 34 and 38. He eventually fell attempting to score quickly against Bethell, concluding his innings of 138.
India ultimately scored 360 for 7 in 50 overs, with Rohit Sharma 138, Shubman Gill 77, and Virat Kohli 74. Sam Curran took 4 for 75 for England. England won the match by 27 runs, securing the series 2-1.
Read Also
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
